NO fewer than 12 officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have been summarily dismissed for breaches of professional ethics, while 19 others were demoted for misconduct from December 2023 to date.

In addition, 17 personnel received stern warnings, and 12 were compelled to tender their resignations following investigations into infractions deemed incompatible with the global standards to which LASTMA aspires.

Disclosing this is the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, during the unveiling of the official emblem heralding the commencement of its 25th-anniversary celebrations of the organisation — an emblem that symbolizes a quarter-century of unwavering commitment to traffic regulation and orderliness across Lagos State.

Speaking while delivering his opening remarks, Mr Bakare-Oki, expressed profound appreciation to the Lagos State government and the motoring public for their enduring support. He underscored the agency’s significant strides over the years and reaffirmed its dedication to innovation, professionalism, and the continual enhancement of traffic flow throughout the metropolis.

Mr Bakare-Oki elaborated on a strategic institutional shift that has seen the enforcement of stringent codes of conduct among LASTMA operatives — an ethical overhaul that has led to dismissals, demotions, and other corrective measures instituted over the years.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Lagos State government, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, extolled LASTMA’s invaluable contributions to the evolution of a responsive and efficient traffic management system in Lagos. He emphasized the critical role of synergy between public institutions and the citizenry in actualizing safer roads and seamless urban mobility in Nigeria’s most populous city.

Adebayo Taofiq, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA notes that the unveiling of the 25th Anniversary Emblem was imbued with symbolic resonance — not merely as a tribute to past accomplishments but as a reaffirmation of LASTMA’s enduring pledge to excellence, discipline, and public service in traffic administration.

Hon. Giwa remarked that the silver jubilee presents a profound moment for introspection, renewed commitment, and visionary planning. “It is an opportunity to evaluate our journey, celebrate the gallant men and women who uphold the LASTMA mandate with dignity, and chart a strategic course toward a technologically advanced, citizen-focused traffic management paradigm for Lagos,” he noted.

He further disclosed that the theme for the milestone anniversary is: “LASTMA @ 25: Enhancing Traffic Efficiency and Safety on Lagos Roads – Challenges, Opportunities, and Innovation.”

As part of the commemorative activities, the Lagos State government is set to unveil a comprehensive 20-Year Traffic Management Plan (TMP) at the forthcoming 3-Day Traffic Conference. This ambitious blueprint will articulate holistic strategies for managing vehicular and pedestrian traffic before, during, and after infrastructure projects, as well as during events that may pose risks to road safety.

Hon. Giwa also confirmed that the silver jubilee celebrations will span 15 to 17 July 2025, and will include a rich programme of events such as keynote presentations by both Nigerian and international experts, as well as award ceremonies recognizing exemplary service by current and retired personnel of the agency, alongside key stakeholders in the traffic management sector.