LASTMA Cracks Down on Festive Season Road Obstructions
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has issued a stern warning to residents, event organisers, religious bodies, and community leaders: no road in Lagos will be allowed to serve as a venue or extension for festive activities this season.
General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, delivered the caution during an inspection tour of major traffic flashpoints across the State on Sunday. He was accompanied by Senior Management Officials who assessed corridors notorious for congestion during celebrations.
In a statement, Bakare-Oki condemned the constant misuse of public roads for parties, religious gatherings, and other socio-cultural events, stressing that such behaviour disrupts traffic flow and puts road users at risk.
“We have observed the persistent tendency of celebrants, worship centres, event planners and street revellers to annex critical road corridors,” the GM said.
“These actions obstruct free vehicular movement and expose motorists to unnecessary gridlock, safety hazards and serious inconveniences.”
He emphasised that all public roads, both major routes and inner streets, are State assets and must never be converted into private venues under any circumstance.
Event Centres in High-Traffic Zones Get Special Warning
Bakare-Oki instructed owners of event and recreational centres, particularly those in busy areas such as Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki and environs, to ensure adequate and properly coordinated parking facilities.
Any centre that allows guests’ vehicles to spill onto major roads, he warned, risks strict enforcement, hefty sanctions and possible closure.
LASTMA to Intensify Holiday Surveillance
Assuring residents of improved traffic management throughout the festive period, the GM said LASTMA officers will increase monitoring, boost visibility and deploy strategies to prevent avoidable road obstructions.
He appealed to the public and event convenersto act responsibly, obtain necessary permits, put proper logistics in place, and cooperate fully with LASTMA and other Agencies.
The statement was issued by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
