By Peter Omopo
Lagos, August 4, 2025 — The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has revealed that it impounded over 7,000 vehicles for various traffic offences and sanctioned 18 of its officers for misconduct within the first half of 2025.
The development was disclosed by the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.
Bakare-Oki said the vehicle seizures were achieved through physical enforcement, while an additional 54,000 traffic violations were captured using the Traffic Management Solutions (TMS) technology, a digital enforcement initiative introduced during his tenure.
“Over 1,000 abandoned vehicles were also cleared off the roads, and we recorded more than 700 road traffic crashes during this period,” he stated.
He noted that the technology-driven approach has significantly enhanced the agency’s efficiency, adding that ongoing staff training and reorientation remain a core priority for optimal service delivery.
“We run a year-long training programme from January to December. Internal trainings are held weekly, while external resource persons, including senior LASTMA officials and experts from the state civil service, are brought in to engage our personnel,” he said.
Topics covered in the training sessions include emotional intelligence, non-aggressive enforcement strategies, mental health awareness, and advanced traffic management systems.
On the issue of erring personnel, Bakare-Oki confirmed that 18 officers were disciplined for violating the agency’s rules. “The sanctions followed due process in line with the Lagos State Public Service Rules, and ranged from dismissal and demotion to official warning letters,” he explained.
To improve public awareness and compliance, the LASTMA boss said the authority has embarked on monthly traffic enlightenment campaigns, and introduced initiatives such as the Female Elite Corps and the LASTMA Mayor to deepen public engagement and encourage responsible driving culture among residents.
He reiterated the agency’s commitment to building a more efficient, disciplined, and people-friendly traffic management system in Lagos State.
