The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has stepped up its operations across the state ahead of the Easter celebrations, deploying more personnel and equipment to manage traffic and keep road users safe.
This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq.
With an expected increase in travel and movement during the festive period, LASTMA’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, advised motorists to be more cautious and responsible on the roads. He stressed the importance of discipline and strict adherence to traffic rules, “urging elevated vigilance, heightened discipline and unwavering compliance with established traffic regulations.”
He also warned against risky behaviors such as drunk driving, speeding, and reckless overtaking, noting that such actions often lead to avoidable accidents and loss of lives.
Bakare-Oki explained that while festive periods are meant for celebration, they usually come with increased pressure on the road network. He emphasized that no celebration is worth endangering lives or putting other road users at risk.
“To ensure unhindered mobility of persons, goods and essential services throughout the Easter holidays, LASTMA has deployed an enhanced corps of Officers to major traffic corridors, transport hubs, highways, intersections, central business districts, recreational centres, religious venues and other strategic high-traffic locations spanning the five divisions of Lagos State.
“These Officers have been expressly instructed to heighten surveillance, compliance and swiftly address any emerging traffic disruptions.
“We have likewise deployed both high and medium capacity tow trucks, while strategically positioning essential operational equipment including traffic cones, safety barriers and other response apparatus across major corridors and critical transit points. This ensures that in the event of a vehicle breakdown or any traffic-related incident, our teams can swiftly activate comprehensive traffic incident management protocols and restore order with minimal delay,” the statement said.
According to him, the increased deployment reflects the agency’s commitment to maintaining smooth traffic flow while protecting residents, commuters, and visitors during the Easter period. He added that all operational teams are fully prepared to handle the expected rise in vehicular movement.
“We appeal to all motorists to demonstrate exemplary conduct, exercise patience and obey all directives issued by Officers on duty. Safety is a collective obligation and every driver must understand that a single moment of impaired judgment whether through drunk driving or reckless speed may result in irreversible loss. As we commemorate Easter, let us uphold moderation, alertness and respect for traffic laws,” Mr. Bakare-Oki stated.
He also called on commercial drivers, transport unions, fleet operators, and logistics managers to educate their members on the dangers of overloading, speeding, and substance abuse, stressing that collective responsibility is key to reducing accidents.
“LASTMA extends warm Easter greetings to all residents of Lagos State and reiterates its readiness to provide uninterrupted traffic management and enforcement services throughout the celebrations.
“The Authority encourages the public to promptly report any traffic infractions, obstructions or emergencies for immediate professional intervention,” the statement concluded.
