World Bank engages LASTMA management in Lagos

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on Tuesday welcomed a delegation from the World Bank to its Oshodi headquarters in Lagos.

The delegation, led by Mr. Luc Gendre, embarked on a fact-finding mission to evaluate LASTMA’s traffic management and control strategies within Lagos State.

The engagement, presided over by the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, provided a comprehensive exposition of the agency’s operational framework, enforcement protocols, and innovative methodologies designed to facilitate seamless traffic flow across the metropolis.

Bakare-Oki said that LASTMA’s activities are guided by the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.

He elaborated on the distinct roles of the agency’s various departments, particularly the contributions of the Rescue Team, which operates during nighttime to promptly remove broken-down or accidented vehicles, thereby ensuring unobstructed traffic movement during peak hours.

The General Manager also shared operational statistics for the year 2024, highlighting the number of vehicular breakdowns successfully managed by LASTMA. Additionally, he noted the efficacy of the agency’s newly established toll-free call centre, which facilitates real-time reporting by the motoring public, enhancing LASTMA’s responsiveness.

“Our research and data collation efforts have been instrumental in shaping policies on traffic management and enforcement,” Bakare-Oki remarked, further stressing the critical role of synergy among emergency responders in the state’s traffic management framework.

The World Bank delegation, comprising Mr Luc Gendre (Leader), Mrs Cecilia Bruno, Mr Elkins Bello, and Mr Emmanuel John, engaged in productive discussions with the LASTMA management team, gaining valuable insights into the agency’s strategies for addressing the complex traffic challenges unique to Lagos.

The delegation lauded LASTMA’s proactive and innovative initiatives, expressing their willingness to support efforts aimed at advancing traffic management systems in rapidly expanding urban centres such as Lagos.

This engagement underscores the vital importance of collaborative partnerships in mitigating traffic congestion and fostering enhanced mobility in megacities. LASTMA remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering sustainable and efficient traffic management solutions for the benefit of all Lagos residents.

Picture Caption: L-R: Mrs Cecilia Bruno, a member of the World Bank delegation; Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager of LASTMA; Mrs Ayeni Folake, Director of Human Resources at LASTMA; and Mr Luc Gendre, Leader of the World Bank delegation, during a fact-finding mission focused on LASTMA’s traffic management and control strategies today at Oshodi, Lagos.