The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has taken decisive action against erring personnel, dismissing five officers and imposing sanctions on fourteen others. The disciplinary measures followed confirmed cases of gross misconduct during the 2025 operational year.
Disciplinary Actions and Sanctions
In an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed the outcomes. He confirmed that the Lagos State Civil Service Commission (CSC) sanctioned a total of 19 officers.
Out of the 19 officers penalised, five were outrightly dismissed from service. A further nine officers faced demotion in rank as a consequence of their actions. The remaining officers received serious warning letters, placing them under strict observation.
Mechanisms to Curb Excesses
Bakare-Oki emphasised that the authority operates a robust check and balance system to monitor field officers. He revealed that LASTMA has significantly enhanced its surveillance capabilities to ensure compliance with regulations.
"We have been able to improve our surveillance unit, and on a daily basis, officers move out to check the excesses of our men on the road," the General Manager stated. He explained that surveillance officers operate incognito, akin to mystery shoppers, to identify personnel deviating from established guidelines.
This covert strategy is a key component of the measures implemented to maintain discipline and professionalism among officers managing Lagos's notoriously busy roads.
Prompt Response to Public Feedback
The LASTMA boss assured the public that the authority treats all reports of officer misbehaviour with utmost seriousness. He noted that actions are taken promptly upon receiving credible feedback.
"We have a series of examples where our men are penalised whenever they are reported. We do due diligence to ensure that we establish the truth," Bakare-Oki asserted. He reiterated the authority's stance that any officer found culpable faces appropriate punishment without exception.
Bakare-Oki concluded by affirming that LASTMA remains committed to its core mandate. The authority is not resting on its oars in ensuring Lagos residents, particularly the motoring public, experience a free flow of traffic. He reiterated LASTMA's readiness to guarantee the seamless movement of goods and persons across the state.
