Sanwo-Olu Pledges Tough Action Against LASTMA Attackers

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has vowed that anyone who assaults officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) will face the full weight of the law.

Speaking at the Second Lagos Traffic Conference, held to mark LASTMA’s 25th anniversary, Sanwo-Olu—represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat—commended the agency’s personnel for their dedication under challenging and often dangerous conditions.

“Your uniform represents the thin yellow line that stands between order and chaos on our roads. Your resilience and professionalism have kept Lagos moving and ensured the safety of millions of commuters daily,” the governor said, paying tribute to officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Sanwo-Olu outlined plans to transform LASTMA into a technology-driven agency, announcing upcoming investments in AI-powered traffic systems, automated number plate recognition, and drone surveillance to improve incident response and traffic efficiency.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Sridhar Uttara, President of U.S.-based Infotran, urged Lagos to establish a Unified Mobility Control Centre, expand IT systems on priority routes, and train officers in AI and data analytics to tackle urban mobility challenges.

Special Adviser on Transportation, Sola Giwa, emphasized the need to overcome structural and behavioral challenges such as driver indiscipline, population growth, and public apathy toward traffic officers, while highlighting ongoing government interventions.

Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, praised LASTMA as a groundbreaking policy solution, describing the agency as a critical force keeping Lagos roads safe despite significant risks.