The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has vowed to prosecute anyone who attacks officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, declaring that the government will no longer tolerate assaults on its law enforcement personnel.
Speaking through his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, during a conference held to mark LASTMA’s 25th anniversary in Lagos on Tuesday, Sanwo-Olu said the agency had become an indispensable part of the city’s infrastructure and must be protected.
He said, “Let’s put it on record that anyone who attacks our officers will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
“Without LASTMA, all of us can’t function. That is the truth. And as such, we must respect them while they do their job.”
The conference, themed, “Enhancing Traffic Efficiency and Safety on Lagos Roads: Challenges, Opportunities, and Innovation,” reflected on the agency’s founding, growth, and prospects.
“The goal then was very clear. To ensure free flow of traffic, save valuable human hours lost in congestion, and improve the quality of lives in the fastest-growing metropolis in this part of the world,” the governor noted.
While acknowledging the challenges Lagos has faced over the years—including a surge in population and vehicle numbers —Hamzat praised LASTMA’s evolution and resilience.
He said, “LASTMA was borne out of the urgent need to restore order on our roads. In those early years, the agency confronted infrastructure deficits, limited technology, and the daunting task of transforming road user behaviour.
Yet, through unwavering dedication and innovative reforms, LASTMA has overcome those obstacles.”
Sanwo-Olu also urged residents to view the agency beyond the usual criticisms, referencing earlier comments made during the event.
He added, “We have listened to emotional submissions from stakeholders. We understand the impact of LASTMA on our lives. A lot of people, when we talk about our country, focus only on the negatives. But I’m proud to say we are doing very well.”
Also speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, described the anniversary as a moment of deep reflection for the agency and the state.
Giwa said, “It is the solemn recognition of a quarter-century-long journey that began with the simple yet powerful idea that Lagos should take control of its chaotic and dangerous road traffic.
“From a modest start with less than 500 personnel and rudimentary tools, LASTMA has grown into a 4,000-strong institution at the forefront of urban mobility enforcement, incident response, and public service.”
He noted that officers were now deployed to major corridors, managing more than two million vehicular movements daily across Lagos’ 9,100-kilometre road network.
“Our officers have braved the sun, storms, and street hostilities—not only to clear traffic bottlenecks—but also to save lives during accidents, coordinate disaster responses, and facilitate seamless movement of goods and services.”