The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has revealed that it deployed at least 1,800 officers to strategic points across the state to ensure smooth traffic flow during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The agency’s General Manager, Mr Oki-Bakare Olalekan, made this known on Saturday while outlining LASTMA’s operational approach for the festive season, a period characterised by increased movement from residents, visitors within the country, and Nigerians returning from the diaspora.
Oki-Bakare said the surge in traffic during the period served as a major test of the traffic control systems already established by the agency.
He explained that the Lagos State Government, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had issued early directives in September instructing LASTMA to develop and execute a detailed traffic management plan in preparation for the October to December rush.
“The Governor gave us clear instructions well ahead of time. This enabled us to plan proactively and strengthen our traffic management strategy before the festive pressure set in,” he said.
According to the LASTMA boss, the agency conducted a statewide review of traffic-prone areas, paying special attention to zones with a high density of hospitality and entertainment venues such as clubs, event centres, bars, lounges, and hotels.
“We identified critical areas with high vehicular movement, especially during night-time activities, and deployed our personnel and logistics to strategic locations. Traffic management operations were fully activated from October 1, following a reorganisation of our operational system,” he stated.
As part of the improvements, Oki-Bakare disclosed that LASTMA introduced a new Night Gang Shift to support its existing morning and afternoon schedules and maintain continuous traffic regulation.
He explained that the A.M. shift runs from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., while the P.M. shift covers 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The Night Gang Shift begins as early as 6:30 p.m., allowing for overlap and ensuring officers are in place before the P.M. shift ends.
“This structure guarantees seamless, 24-hour traffic management across the state, particularly during periods of intense night-time movement,” he added.
Oki-Bakare noted that the upgraded operational framework played a key role in easing traffic congestion during the festivities and led to widespread commendation from motorists and residents.
On staffing, he disclosed that although LASTMA has a workforce of more than 4,500 personnel, 1,800 officers were specifically assigned to festive-season duties in December.
He said deployment focused on areas known for active nightlife and commercial activities, including Lekki, Ajah, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Surulere, and other major traffic routes.
“These locations typically experience heavy vehicular movement late into the night, and our targeted deployment helped ensure orderliness and smooth traffic flow,” he said.
Responding to the positive public feedback, the LASTMA General Manager described the commendations as a source of encouragement.
“LASTMA is statutorily responsible for ensuring seamless mobility across Lagos State. Our focus remains on encouraging voluntary compliance and delivering efficient traffic management services. The feedback from Lagosians reassures us that we are on the right path,” he said.
He added that traffic management and transportation remain central to the Sanwo-Olu administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda, noting that the improved festive traffic conditions reflect the government’s commitment to delivering dividends of democracy to residents.
