The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has commenced a state-wide sensitisation exercise aimed at reducing road crashes during the festive season.

The campaign, spearheaded by the agency’s Female Elite Corps, began with visits to parks and garages in Ojota, Ketu, and Mile 12, where drivers were educated on road safety practices.

Speaking at LASTMA’s headquarters in Oshodi, the agency’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, highlighted the significance of the exercise in promoting economic growth and reducing traffic accidents.

“Lagos State is a mobile economy that operates 24/7, and the role of transportation in this cannot be overemphasised. It is our responsibility to ensure seamless traffic flow to drive the state’s economic growth,” he said.

Bakare-Oki emphasised the importance of adherence to traffic regulations, urging road users to prioritise safety and conduct routine vehicle maintenance. He noted that the campaign would extend to the five divisions of Lagos State.

“This is a targeted initiative led by the Female Elite Corps of LASTMA. They will visit parks and garages across the state to engage commercial drivers and ensure they understand the importance of safety, especially during this period when more vehicles are on the roads. Life has no duplicate,” he added.

The Assistant General Secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Ojota Branch, Akeem Akintayo, commended the initiative, noting that regular orientation by LASTMA had contributed to a significant reduction in road crashes among drivers.
“LASTMA’s continuous sensitisation efforts have been effective. We also extend this training to our members, and it has helped reduce accidents,” Akintayo said.

The campaign also saw the Female Elite Corps paying courtesy visits to traditional rulers, including the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, and the Oba of Ijora, to explain the initiative’s objectives.

Oba Akiolu urged LASTMA officials to remain diligent and avoid corrupt practices while carrying out their duties. “You must ensure free traffic flow and carry out your duties with integrity. That is why you are being paid,” he said.

LASTMA pledged to deploy its human and material resources strategically to ensure safer highways across Lagos, reaffirming its commitment to efficient traffic management and public safety.