LASTMA 25 Years Anniversary: TRACE Joins FRSC, Police Other Security Agencies In Celebrations

 

 

By OLALEKAN AYENI

Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) Cdr Babatunde Akinbiyi, yesterday –July 15, 2025, led some of the agency’s personnel to represent the Acting Commander General/Chief Executive Officer, Cdr Elias Omonayajo at the 25th years of existence and Second Lagos Traffic Conference of Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) in Eko Hotel, Lagos.

The agency’s personnel in attendance includes Cdr  Morolake Filani, Olusola Ojuoro, Kabir Ojerinde, Ojo-Oloye T I, Lasisi K.A and Hammed Salau.

In his keynote remarks, the Ag. TRACE Commander General/CEO, Cdr. Omonayajo, through the TRACE PRO said “the management and the entire operatives of TRACE extends warm congratulations to LASTMA as the authority marks its 25th anniversary”

“A silver jubilee of LASTMA becoming a model of excellence, navigating the complexities of a mega city with grit, professionalism, and innovation is worth celebrating and worthy of emulation.

 “As a sister agency, TRACE  proudly acknowledges and commends the critical role LASTMA has played in shaping traffic management practices not only in Lagos but across Nigeria. Your efforts continue to inspire and shape best practices across the nation.

“As we celebrate your journey so far, we also reaffirm our commitment to continued collaboration; working side by side to build safer and more efficient roadways for all,” TRACE boss added.

Dignitaries at the event, tagged: “Enhancing traffic efficiency and safety on Lagos Roads: Challenges, Opportunities and Innovations” showers  encomium on LASTMA officers over their restless efforts on reduction of traffic congestion and saving lives on the Lagos roads.

The State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu was among the dignitaries that lauded the agency for its evolution into a tech-driven mobility, describing it as a “model institution admired nationwide and beyond.”

He was represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat. The governor reflected on LASTMA’s establishment in 2000 by then-Governor Bola Tinubu to address the state’s crippling traffic congestion.

“He inherited a city plagued by chaotic traffic congestion and conceived LASTMA as a bold solution to restore order, safety, and efficiency on our roads,” Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, said.

Highlighting the agency’s transformation, Sanwo-Olu said LASTMA had moved from using whistles and hand signals to deploying real-time surveillance, automated number plate recognition, and digital communication platforms.

“The LASTMA of tomorrow will be a technologically empowered agency… powered by artificial intelligence, automated number plate recognition, and soon, drone surveillance,” he said.

He noted that with over 4,000 officers deployed across Lagos, the agency now manages traffic using a fully digitised command centre.

The governor stressed that every minute saved on Lagos roads directly contributes to economic growth.

“By reducing congestion, we directly enhance business productivity, streamline supply chains, and bolster the competitiveness of our commercial ecosystem,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu also praised the synergy between LASTMA and Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1FM.

“Together, the expanded LASTMA infrastructure and Lagos Traffic Radio form a synergistic system creating a more responsive and dynamic traffic management ecosystem,” he noted.

While commending the dedication of LASTMA personnel, the governor honoured fallen officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

“Your uniform represents the thin yellow line that stands firmly between order and chaos on our roads. We pledge to support you and honour their memory,” he said.

He unveiled a 20-year strategic blueprint for traffic management and urged Lagosians to support traffic laws and officers.

“Together, we will make Lagos the model for urban mobility in Africa,” Sanwo-Olu concluded.

He urged the public to stop assaulting, harassing or intimidating LASTMA officers on duty and to treat them with respect, that many of the personnel are often harassed and intimidated while performing their duties.

He emphasizes that the officers are public servants which deserving more respect, and that any grievances should be addressed through proper channels instead of abusing or harassment on duty.

The Governor made it clear that whoever found guilty of this will surely prosecuted.