LASTMA Inaugurates 100 Volunteers To Promote Traffic Discipline Ahead Of Festivities

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has inaugurated more than 100 community volunteers to support traffic management and promote road safety across the state ahead of the Ember Months and December festivities.

The volunteers, known as LASTMA Mayors, are expected to engage residents, commercial transport operators, market leaders and other community stakeholders in promoting compliance with traffic regulations as vehicular movement increases during the festive season.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed this at the inauguration and investiture ceremony held at the agency’s headquarters in Lagos.

Bakare-Oki said effective traffic management required collective responsibility, stressing that government efforts alone could not guarantee orderly roads without active participation from members of the public.

He explained that the volunteers would complement the statutory responsibilities of uniformed LASTMA officials through public enlightenment campaigns, community engagement and the dissemination of road safety information.

Describing the LASTMA Mayors as community ambassadors, he expressed confidence that their closeness to residents and transport operators would encourage voluntary compliance with traffic regulations.

The General Manager also called on Christian and Islamic religious leaders to incorporate road safety messages into sermons and other congregational activities to promote responsible road use.

He warned motorists against driving against traffic, excessive speeding, reckless overtaking and indiscriminate parking, noting that such violations could lead to road crashes, loss of lives and destruction of property.

Bakare-Oki further advised motorists to prioritise regular vehicle maintenance, particularly the inspection of brakes, tyres, steering systems and lights, emphasising that roadworthiness remained critical to preventing avoidable accidents.

He urged road users to exercise patience and restraint during the festive period, cautioning against reckless driving associated with celebrations and social engagements.

Also speaking, the Director of Traffic Advocacy and Special Mayors, Mr Awoyemi Jimmy, said LASTMA would strengthen traffic deployment, surveillance, public enlightenment and collaboration with relevant agencies to improve mobility and pedestrian safety.

He noted that the volunteer network would provide an additional platform for community engagement and encourage greater adherence to traffic regulations.

In his remarks, the Coordinator of the State Mayors of Traffic, Mr Tajudeen Othman, pledged the volunteers’ commitment to working with LASTMA and the Lagos State Government to promote safer and more orderly roads.

Othman said the newly inaugurated volunteers would leverage their respective community networks to encourage responsible road use and support the agency’s efforts to ensure smoother traffic operations across Lagos.