Sanwo-Olu warns against attacks on LASTMA officers

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has pledged to take strong legal action against anyone who attacks officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).

The governor made this known during the 2nd Lagos Traffic Conference, marking the agency’s 25th anniversary.

Speaking through his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Sanwo-Olu praised LASTMA for its contribution to traffic control and overall development in Lagos over the last two and a half decades. He said the agency has been crucial in keeping order on the roads of one of Africa’s busiest cities.

The governor condemned the rising trend of assaults on traffic officers and warned that the state would no longer tolerate such acts. He made it clear that those responsible for harming LASTMA personnel would face legal consequences. He described the officers as frontline workers who face daily risks to maintain road discipline and keep traffic moving.

He also paid respect to those who lost their lives while serving the agency, adding that the future of traffic management in Lagos would rely on modern technology. He said the state is already looking to adopt tools such as artificial intelligence, automated number plate recognition systems, drone surveillance, and smart traffic infrastructure.

The event’s keynote speaker, Sridhar Uttara, President of the U.S.-based engineering firm Infotran, suggested that Lagos should establish a Unified Mobility Control Centre and expand IT systems across major traffic corridors. He also urged the government to train officers in AI and develop smart mobility labs to boost efficiency.

Special Adviser on Transportation, Mr. Sola Giwa, said the anniversary was not just about celebration but focused on solving real transport problems. He noted that LASTMA plays a broader role in emergency response and public safety, not just traffic flow.

Giwa admitted the agency still faces hurdles like fast-rising urban growth, reckless driving, and negative public perception. But he said LASTMA remains committed to its mission and is looking at better ways to serve the people of Lagos.