By Lateef Odegbenle
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) Wednesday welcomed a distinguished delegation from the World Bank to its Oshodi headquarters, 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.
A statement from the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq said 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 emphasized 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 center, 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 emphasizing 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 centers such as Lagos.
