For egregious infractions, such as illegal parking and serious road blockages on Lagos Island, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has seized 48 individually owned cars and 125 stubborn commercial buses.
As part of a sting enforcement operation, the cars were seized in an effort to promote unimpeded vehicle circulation and restore traffic discipline.
Tom Jones, Ebute-Ero, Oyingbo, Ijora, Adeniji Adele, and Iddo carried out this extensive crackdown along infamously congested boulevards such Idumota, Ijaye Street, Martins, Ereko, and Nnamdi Azikiwe.
According to Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager of LASTMA, who is acting under the strategic directive of Mr. Sola Giwa, Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, the strict enforcement demonstrates LASTMA’s steadfast dedication to eliminating chronic traffic congestion and reducing reckless driving, especially by private drivers and commercial transport operators who disregard the law.
Many of the criminals were arrested committing dangerous reversals from Iddo to Idumota to pick up passengers and driving against traffic (one-way), among other irresponsible acts that have resulted in numerous traffic accidents and needless deaths.
The program specifically targeted unlicensed garages, which have long been the source of unsolvable traffic jams and cause excessive hardship for both locals and commuters.
Bakare-Oki emphasized the agency’s dedication to the Lagos State Government’s goal of maximizing the effectiveness of the city’s transportation infrastructure while restating that this crackdown is a continuous and persistent effort.
“The state government remains resolute in its enforcement of traffic regulations and the restoration of order on our roads. The proliferation of illegal garages and indiscriminate obstructions by both commercial and private vehicles continues to be a formidable impediment to our goal of achieving seamless mobility within Lagos.
“These stringent enforcement measures serve as an unequivocal warning to all road users that flagrant disregard for traffic laws will no longer be tolerated.
“Our ultimate objective is to cultivate a transportation ecosystem that is safe, orderly, and highly efficient for all road users. This enforcement drive represents a pivotal step toward actualizing that vision,” Mr. Bakare-Oki reaffirmed.
He also emphasized that infamous hotspots for traffic, like Iddo to Idumota, Oyingbo, Ebute-Ero, and the Adeniji Adele roundabout, are known for illegal parking and the growth of makeshift garages—a problem that needs to be addressed immediately.
“The indiscriminate operations of commercial bus drivers not only obstruct vehicular movement but also constitute a grave hazard to pedestrian safety. LASTMA’s intervention is imperative to dismantle these bottlenecks and facilitate seamless traffic circulation in these critical locations,” he added.
Residents and business owners have responded favorably to this action, recognizing its significant influence in facilitating everyday commutes and reviving commercial activity.
The public was reassured by LASTMA that the operation would be methodically expanded to other locations plagued by illegal parking and other violations.
Therefore, in order to prevent punitive measures, the General Manager urged all drivers to actively contribute to maintaining order by promptly reporting abandoned or broken-down trailers and trucks to LASTMA via the agency’s toll-free hotline: 080000527862.
He also urged the general public to cooperate with authorities and strictly adhere to traffic regulations.