The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) is preparing to shift away from traditional traffic control methods and adopt a technology-driven incident management system by 2026.
This was disclosed by the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Transportation, Mr Sola Giwa, in a statement issued on Wednesday.
According to the statement, Giwa spoke during a New Year white party and meritorious service recognition event organised to celebrate officers and personnel of LASTMA.
He explained that the planned transformation would be driven by the introduction of advanced technological tools, real-time monitoring and surveillance infrastructure, swift emergency response systems and data-based operational strategies.
Giwa noted that these innovations are intended to reduce the occurrence of road incidents, shorten response times and substantially improve road safety across the state.
“In 2026, LASTMA will move beyond routine traffic control to proactively manage road incidents.
“Technology will constitute the nucleus of our operations, anticipating disruptions, facilitating swift emergency responses and ensuring that Lagos roads remain safer, smarter and more efficient for all categories of road users,” he said.
Speaking on LASTMA’s round-the-clock night gang operations carried out statewide during the 2025 “Detty December” festive period, the governor’s aide praised both residents and agency officers for their discipline and professionalism.
He commended the cooperation shown by Lagos residents and motorists, describing it as a key factor behind the remarkable orderliness, improved safety and smooth traffic flow recorded during the typically busy festive season.
Giwa observed that the 2025 Detty December period, often marked by heavy traffic, late-night social events and increased road use, stood out due to an exceptional level of voluntary adherence to traffic laws by residents.
He said this positive civic attitude greatly enhanced LASTMA’s effectiveness and ensured free vehicular movement along major routes such as Ikoyi, Victoria Island and the Lekki–Ajah corridor, even late at night.
He added that the results recorded during the 24-hour night operations reflected a growing sense of traffic awareness and civic responsibility among Lagosians.
“The outcomes achieved during the LASTMA 24-hour night gang operations are a compelling testament to the growing traffic consciousness and civic maturity of Lagos residents.
“The patience, restraint and law-abiding ethos demonstrated by motorists and commuters alike are profoundly commendable and worthy of unequivocal public recognition,” Giwa said.
The special adviser also applauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his consistent support, forward-thinking leadership and continued investment in transportation infrastructure and institutional growth.
He stated that these strategic interventions have helped reposition LASTMA as a dynamic, resilient and reform-focused traffic management agency.
Looking ahead, Giwa assured motorists that LASTMA is well-positioned to fully transition from conventional traffic control to a modern, technology-driven incident management system in the coming year.
He urged residents to maintain their current level of compliance, patience and mutual respect on the roads, stressing that efficient traffic management requires collective responsibility between government agencies and the public.
