The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has taken strict disciplinary action against 19 of its officers for acts of misconduct recorded during the 2025 operational year. The measures, which include dismissals, demotions, and warnings, were aimed at enforcing discipline and maintaining professionalism among personnel deployed across Lagos roads.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, announced the actions on Thursday in Lagos. He said the sanctions were carried out following approvals granted by the Lagos State Civil Service Commission, underscoring the agency’s commitment to ethical conduct and accountability.
According to Bakare-Oki, five officers were dismissed outright for serious breaches of protocol, while nine others were demoted. The remaining affected personnel received severe warning letters for lesser infractions.
“These disciplinary measures are a clear signal that LASTMA will not tolerate indiscipline or unethical conduct among our officers,” he said.
The LASTMA boss explained that the authority has enhanced its internal oversight mechanisms to detect and address misconduct promptly. He said the agency has invested in a robust surveillance system and deployed monitoring teams daily to observe the activities of officers on the field.
“We have enhanced the capacity of our surveillance unit. On a daily basis, monitoring teams are deployed to check the activities of our officers on the field,” Bakare-Oki said.
He added that some surveillance officers operate in plain clothes to discreetly monitor personnel, ensuring that any deviation from established rules or operational guidelines is quickly identified.
“This undercover monitoring is similar to a mystery shopper approach. It helps us identify officers who do not follow standard procedures. These measures are deliberately put in place to curb excesses and uphold professionalism,” he stated.
Bakare-Oki highlighted that public complaints are taken very seriously. He said all allegations of misconduct are thoroughly investigated before any disciplinary action is taken, ensuring due process and fairness.
“We have several instances where officers have been sanctioned following credible reports from members of the public. Due diligence is always carried out to establish the facts, and once an officer is found culpable, appropriate punishment follows,” he said.
This approach, according to the LASTMA boss, reinforces the agency’s commitment to transparency and accountability while ensuring that officers maintain high standards of conduct while performing their duties.
The disciplinary actions come as part of LASTMA’s broader effort to improve traffic management and safety across Lagos State. The agency is responsible for ensuring smooth flow of traffic, reducing road congestion, and facilitating the safe movement of people and goods.
Bakare-Oki reiterated that LASTMA remains focused on delivering efficient traffic management services while upholding discipline among its workforce. He said that officers who engage in misconduct undermine not only the agency’s work but also public confidence in traffic management systems.
“LASTMA is committed to efficient traffic management in Lagos. We remain focused on ensuring the smooth flow of traffic and facilitating the safe movement of people and goods across the state,” he said.
The General Manager also stressed that maintaining discipline, transparency, and professionalism is crucial to fulfilling the agency’s mandate of keeping Lagos roads orderly and free-flowing.
LASTMA was established to manage traffic operations in Lagos, one of the busiest cities in Africa, where congestion and road accidents are major challenges. The agency is tasked with controlling traffic, enforcing road safety rules, and promoting compliance among motorists and road users.
Over the years, LASTMA has faced criticism for reports of misconduct by some of its officers, including harassment of motorists, bribery, and abuse of authority. In response, the agency has strengthened internal oversight, introduced monitoring systems, and set up mechanisms for the public to report complaints.
The recent disciplinary measures reflect these ongoing efforts to maintain integrity and professionalism within the agency. Analysts say that enforcing strict discipline among traffic officers is vital to improving road safety, reducing corruption, and restoring public trust.
Bakare-Oki also highlighted the importance of public cooperation in traffic management. He encouraged Lagos residents to continue reporting instances of misconduct and to follow traffic rules, stressing that community participation is essential for the success of traffic operations.
“We urge members of the public to continue reporting any misconduct they encounter on our roads. Their input is crucial in helping us improve services and maintain a high standard of professionalism,” he said.
The General Manager further assured that all complaints are treated confidentially and investigated thoroughly before any action is taken. This approach ensures fairness for both officers and the public while fostering accountability.
Bakare-Oki stated that the agency will continue to monitor officers, strengthen internal controls, and adopt best practices to ensure that all personnel perform their duties ethically and professionally.
“Our aim is to build a culture of integrity and professionalism at LASTMA. Officers must understand that their conduct affects not only the agency but also the safety and convenience of Lagos residents,” he said.
The agency also plans to continue training programs, refresher courses, and workshops to educate officers on proper conduct, road safety and customer service, ensuring that they are better equipped to handle the challenges of traffic management in a megacity like Lagos.