The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has dismissed a viral video alleging that motorists were permitted to drive on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor from Ojota to Idi-Iroko, inward Anthony, on Ikorodu Road.
The video, circulated on Facebook by a platform identified as Lagos Reporters, claimed that LASTMA officers allowed vehicles to use the restricted lane and criticized operatives for arresting motorists.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, the authority described the claim as false.
“The Lagos State Government has only granted temporary approval for motorists to use the BRT corridor at Odo-Iya Alaro and Eko Bridge,” Taofiq said.
“This measure was introduced as a stopgap intervention to ease congestion caused by the ongoing rehabilitation of the expansion joints at the Ifako-Ogudu Bridge, inbound Lagos. At no time was approval given for use of the BRT lane at Idi-Iroko or any other part of Ikorodu Road outside the designated points.”
He added that an internal investigation confirmed no officer of the agency had authorized motorists to use the corridor from Ojota to Idi-Iroko.
Visual checks conducted by LASTMA at the time of the alleged infraction showed that traffic on the main carriageway at Idi-Iroko was moving without obstruction.
“The allegation was fabricated and without merit,” the statement said.
The agency reiterated its responsibility to enforce traffic discipline and protect the BRT lanes, which it described as essential to Lagos’ mass transit system. It warned motorists against violating traffic laws or spreading unverified information.
“Motorists who encroach on the BRT corridor will be arrested and prosecuted,” the authority stated, while also urging members of the public to verify information only through official LASTMA channels, including its toll-free hotline (080000527862).
LASTMA further assured commuters that rehabilitation works on the Ifako-Ogudu Bridge are being expedited, and that the temporary use of designated BRT corridors will end once the project is completed.
