Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has seized 173 vehicles, including 125 commercial buses and 48 privately owned cars, in a sweeping enforcement drive aimed at curbing illegal parking and road obstructions across the city.
In a statement issued on Thursday, LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, outlined the scale of the crackdown, which took place in notorious traffic hotspots such as Idumota, Ijaye Street, Martins, Ereko, Nnamdi Azikiwe by Tom Jones, Ebute-Ero, Oyingbo, Ijora, Adeniji Adele, and Iddo.
“The essence of this operation is to restore discipline and ensure smooth movement on our roads,” Bakare-Oki said. “This rigorous initiative is part of our continuous efforts to tackle traffic gridlocks, especially in areas where congestion has become an all-too-common feature of daily life.”
The operation was not just aimed at reducing congestion but also at addressing reckless driving behaviors that have contributed to numerous road accidents. Many of the violators were caught engaging in dangerous maneuvers, such as driving against traffic and performing risky U-turns to pick up passengers, particularly in the Iddo to Idumota corridor.
“Some of these drivers engage in hazardous actions that not only endanger their lives but also the lives of other road users,” Bakare-Oki pointed out. “This is a blatant disregard for road safety that has caused needless accidents and even fatalities.”
While commercial bus operators were the prime targets of the operation, private vehicle owners were also heavily implicated in the crackdown. The general manager noted that unauthorized garages, which have long been blamed for worsening traffic congestion in several parts of Lagos, were also part of the focus.
“The proliferation of illegal garages, where vehicles are parked indiscriminately, contributes significantly to the persistent traffic gridlocks that plague our city,” Bakare-Oki added. “These garages not only obstruct roads but also encourage the kind of reckless behavior we are striving to eliminate.”
The enforcement operation comes in response to growing concerns about traffic management in Lagos, which has become one of the most congested cities in the world. According to Bakare-Oki, this crackdown represents a larger strategy to address the city’s transportation challenges and restore order to its roads.
“Our ultimate aim is to create a city where transportation is efficient, orderly, and safe for everyone,” he said. “Lagos has made significant strides in improving its infrastructure, and we are determined to ensure that traffic regulations are adhered to, and the city’s roads remain free of unnecessary obstacles.”
The initiative also underscores the Lagos State Government’s commitment to enhancing public safety and the quality of life for its residents. With millions of people relying on Lagos’ roads daily, the city’s traffic system is under constant pressure, and violations such as illegal parking have only compounded the problem.
“Lagos is a megacity, and with that comes a unique set of challenges,” Bakare-Oki explained. “But the state government remains steadfast in its resolve to bring order to our roads. This operation is part of a long-term plan to improve mobility, reduce traffic accidents, and ensure the free flow of vehicles.”
The crackdown is not a one-off event, according to Bakare-Oki. It is part of an ongoing effort by LASTMA to ensure that Lagos residents adhere strictly to traffic rules. The general manager issued a stern warning to motorists who flout traffic laws, stressing that future violators will face even stricter penalties.
“This is a wake-up call for anyone who disregards traffic rules. We will not allow Lagos’ roads to be held hostage by anyone’s carelessness,” he warned. “We have started with 173 vehicles, but we are prepared to do more if it means creating a safer environment for all road users.”
Motorists were also urged to cooperate with LASTMA officers to avoid punitive actions. The traffic authority is not only focused on law enforcement but also on educating the public about the importance of road safety.
“We want to foster a culture where road users understand the importance of following traffic regulations,” Bakare-Oki said. “This operation is not just about penalties, but about creating awareness that will ultimately lead to a safer and more efficient transportation system.”
The crackdown by LASTMA has been met with mixed reactions. Some Lagosians have praised the authority for taking a firm stance against traffic violations, while others have questioned the impact of such enforcement strategies. Critics argue that the high volume of vehicles on Lagos roads, combined with inadequate parking facilities, makes it difficult for many motorists to avoid illegal parking.
However, Bakare-Oki insists that the benefits of the operation will be evident in the long run. “We understand that there are challenges, but our focus is on creating a city where everyone can move freely and safely,” he stated. “This initiative is just one part of the bigger picture.”
The traffic authority’s efforts to tackle the menace of illegal parking and road obstructions are expected to continue, with more operations planned across the state’s busiest corridors. The Lagos State Government is also exploring ways to improve road infrastructure and provide more parking spaces to ease congestion and improve the overall flow of traffic.
“We are working tirelessly to enhance Lagos’ transportation network,” Bakare-Oki concluded. “Our mission is clear: to make the city safer and more efficient for everyone who relies on its roads.”
