LASTMA Moves To Curb Highway Crashes By Dispatch Riders

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has announced renewed efforts to tackle the rising number of accidents involving dispatch riders on major highways across Lagos.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed this on Monday, noting that the agency is stepping up both enforcement and public safety advocacy to address the issue.

According to him, LASTMA has already engaged representatives of dispatch riders’ unions as part of a broader strategy to improve compliance with traffic regulations. He added that plans are underway to convene a stakeholders’ meeting involving courier service operators and riders.

“The engagement will focus on ensuring that dispatch riders prioritise not only their own safety but also that of other road users,” Bakare-Oki said.

He reiterated the commitment of the Lagos State Government to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that collaboration with key stakeholders is essential to improving adherence to traffic laws.

Bakare-Oki also highlighted LASTMA’s ongoing school traffic advocacy programme, which aims to instil road safety awareness and responsible behaviour among young people. He revealed that between January and March, the initiative reached approximately 38 to 39 per cent of schools across the state.

He emphasised that the programme is part of a long-term strategy to promote a culture of safety on Lagos roads by educating younger generations.

The planned stakeholder engagement is expected to bring together unions, service providers, and regulatory bodies to address concerns and strengthen compliance among dispatch riders.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative forms part of broader efforts to enhance road safety and reduce traffic-related incidents across Lagos.