The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says it deployed no fewer than 1,800 officers across strategic locations in the state to ensure effective traffic control during the Christmas and New Year festivities.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Oki-Bakare Olalekan, disclosed this on Saturday while outlining the agency’s operational strategy during the festive period, which witnessed a significant influx of residents, visitors from across Nigeria and Nigerians returning from the diaspora.
Oki-Bakare said the surge in movement into Lagos during the season served as a major test of the traffic management framework already in place. He noted that the Lagos State Government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had issued early directives as far back as September, mandating LASTMA to design and implement a comprehensive traffic management plan ahead of the last quarter of the year.
According to him, the early instructions allowed the agency to plan proactively and strengthen its operational strategy before the festive rush began.
As part of preparations, LASTMA carried out an assessment of major traffic flashpoints across the state, with particular attention to areas with high concentrations of hospitality and entertainment activities such as nightclubs, event centres, bars, lounges and hotels.
He explained that traffic management operations were fully activated from October 1, following a reorganisation of the agency’s operational system, with personnel and logistics deployed to critical locations, especially during peak night-time activities.
Oki-Bakare said the agency introduced an additional duty period, known as the Night Gang Shift, to complement the existing A.M. and P.M. shifts and ensure round-the-clock traffic control. He noted that while the A.M. shift runs from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and the P.M. shift from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the Night Gang Shift begins at 6:30 p.m. to guarantee seamless transition and 24-hour coverage.
He added that the enhanced operational framework contributed significantly to improved traffic flow during the festive season and earned the agency commendations from motorists and residents.
On manpower deployment, the LASTMA boss disclosed that although the agency has a workforce of over 4,500 personnel, 1,800 officers were specifically mobilised for December operations. Deployment was concentrated in high-traffic and nightlife areas such as Lekki, Ajah, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Surulere and other busy corridors.
Describing public feedback as encouraging, Oki-Bakare said the commendations reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring seamless mobility across Lagos State through voluntary compliance and efficient traffic management.
He added that traffic management and transportation remain key pillars of the Sanwo-Olu administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda, noting that the improved festive traffic experience reflects the dividends of democracy promised to Lagos residents.