The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has issued a strong warning to residents and event organizers against the illegal use of roads during the upcoming festive season. The agency specifically targeted community leaders, religious organizations, and party planners who often block access roads for their events.
Strict Prohibition on Road Obstruction
LASTMA has declared that all roads in Lagos, including major highways and inner streets, are public property and cannot be taken over for private celebrations or religious gatherings. The agency expressed concern about how celebrants, worship centers, and event planners frequently take over important road corridors, causing traffic gridlocks and safety hazards for law-abiding motorists.
The Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department at LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, emphasized in a statement that this practice must stop immediately. The agency noted that the problem occurs before, during, and after events throughout the festive period.
Special Instructions for Event Centers
Event centers, lounges, clubs, and other recreational facilities operating in high-traffic areas have received specific instructions. Establishments in Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki, Shongotedo, and surrounding areas must provide adequate and well-organized parking arrangements for their customers.
Facilities whose patrons regularly park vehicles on major roads face serious consequences, including heavy fines and potential closure according to existing traffic laws. LASTMA has made it clear that enforcement will be strict and uncompromising.
Enhanced Operations During Festive Period
General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, delivered this warning during an inspection tour of major traffic-prone corridors across Lagos State. He was accompanied by the agency's top management team.
Bakare-Oki reaffirmed LASTMA's commitment to ensuring free movement of vehicles, people, goods, and services throughout the festive season, which typically sees increased celebrations and higher vehicle density.
LASTMA officers will increase surveillance, enhance operational visibility, and implement proactive traffic management strategies to prevent unnecessary obstructions, control illegal parking, and reduce all forms of traffic violations.
The General Manager appealed to residents and event organizers to act responsibly by obtaining necessary approvals, making proper logistical arrangements, and fully cooperating with LASTMA officials and other government agencies. This cooperation is essential to ensure a safe, orderly, and congestion-free celebratory season for all commuters.
Bakare-Oki warned that the agency will not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law against any individual, organization, or establishment that violates traffic regulations or infringes on Lagosians' right to unimpeded mobility.
Additionally, LASTMA has strengthened its operational framework to ensure quick response to emergencies, traffic incidents, and the rapid removal of broken-down vehicles across all state corridors.
The agency's toll-free hotline, 080000527862, remains fully operational and available to the public, especially motorists requiring urgent road traffic assistance during the festive period.
