The Lagos State Government has unveiled a comprehensive 20-year traffic management masterplan aimed at reshaping the future of transportation in the state, as part of efforts to address the mounting challenges posed by rapid urban growth and increasing vehicle numbers.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Sola Giwa, announced the plan during a press briefing on Wednesday to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
Giwa explained that the new framework is intended to revamp current systems and integrate innovative solutions that will reposition LASTMA’s operations to meet future demands.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the government’s drive for smart governance, participatory policymaking, and technology-led reforms, all aimed at improving traffic flow and road safety across the state.
He underscored the importance of shared responsibility in traffic management, calling for collaboration between the government, residents, and the private sector.
Reflecting on LASTMA’s journey over the past 25 years, Giwa pointed out that the agency has become a vital part of Lagos’ urban mobility structure, significantly reducing travel times, improving road safety, and modernising traffic enforcement practices. These strides, he said, have been recognised and replicated by other states and even internationally.
According to Giwa, LASTMA has expanded from a modest interventionist unit into a robust institution, now boasting over 4,000 personnel deployed across Lagos to manage congestion, enforce road regulations, and swiftly respond to traffic emergencies.
He credited the agency’s success to consistent leadership and the strategic foresight of those who have led it since its inception in 2000.
Giwa also announced that the second edition of the Lagos Traffic Conference will take place on 15 July at Eko Hotels and Suites. The event will convene policymakers, transportation professionals, academics, and civic leaders from Nigeria and abroad to explore innovative and actionable solutions for urban mobility.
Also addressing the media, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to adopting digital tools over the next two years to enhance data-driven planning and decision-making. He said LASTMA’s vision for the next two decades centres on proactive traffic management and a renewed focus on service excellence.
Bakare-Oki added that the 25th anniversary celebrations serve not only to acknowledge past achievements but also as a rallying point for deeper commitment towards shaping the future of transportation in Lagos.
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