LASTMA To Launch Free Short Code For Traffic Updates, Complaints In Lagos

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has announced plans to introduce a free short code service to enable residents, particularly motorists, to report traffic situations, emergencies, and complaints across the state.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Lagos.
According to him, the agency is in the final stages of securing approval from network providers to replace the current long telephone number with a more accessible short code.

He said the service is expected to become operational within the next two to three weeks.
“The agency is working on ensuring that we get a short code instead of the long digit that is currently running. In the next two to three weeks, our call centre will come up with a short code that will be free,” Bakare-Oki said.

He explained that the platform would allow Lagos residents to directly engage with the agency by providing real-time information on traffic congestion, road emergencies, and the conduct of traffic officers on duty.

Bakare-Oki added that the agency is currently installing the necessary machinery and equipment required to commence the service.

He noted that residents would be able to use the short code to submit feedback, report emergency situations, and share any other relevant information that could aid traffic management efforts in the state.

The LASTMA boss further revealed that the agency’s digital call centre currently has 10 responders and offers support in English, Yoruba, and other local languages to ensure wider accessibility.

He also highlighted the existing collaboration between LASTMA and other emergency response agencies, including the Lagos State Ambulance Service, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency.

According to him, this inter-agency cooperation has been instrumental in addressing emergencies and traffic-related incidents promptly.

Bakare-Oki disclosed that the agency received nearly 300 calls between January and March, although he admitted that service delivery had been affected by system downtime linked to the integration of the new short code.

He, however, assured residents that the challenges would soon be resolved.
“We give the assurance that in the next two to three weeks, we will be back on board strong and with better service delivery to Lagos residents,” he said.

The report was originally published by the News Agency of Nigeria.