Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Cdr Babatunde Akinbiyi, on July 15, 2025, led a delegation to represent the Acting Commander General/CEO, Cdr Elias Omonayajo, at the 25th Anniversary and 2nd Lagos Traffic Conference of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), held at Eko Hotel, Lagos.
TRACE personnel in attendance included Cdr Morolake Filani, Olusola Ojuoro, Kabir Ojerinde, Ojo-Oloye T. I., Lasisi K.A., and Hammed Salau.
Delivering the remarks of the Ag. TRACE Commander General, Cdr Omonayajo, the PRO congratulated LASTMA, saying: “On behalf of TRACE management and operatives, we extend warm congratulations to LASTMA on its 25th anniversary—a silver jubilee of service marked by professionalism, innovation, and resilience.
As a sister agency, TRACE proudly recognizes LASTMA’s pivotal role in advancing traffic management practices not just in Lagos, but nationwide,” he added.
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,” the TRACE boss stated.
The event, themed *“Enhancing Traffic Efficiency and Safety on Lagos Roads: Challenges, Opportunities, and Innovations, drew dignitaries who showered praises on LASTMA officers for their tireless efforts in reducing congestion and saving lives on Lagos roads.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was among those who commended the agency, describing LASTMA as a “model institution admired across Nigeria and beyond” for its evolution into a tech-driven mobility force.
He was represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, who reflected on LASTMA’s creation in 2000 by then-Governor Bola Tinubu to tackle Lagos’ chaotic traffic situation.
Tinubu inherited a city plagued by gridlock and established LASTMA as a bold solution to restore order and efficiency on our roads,” Hamzat said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in his remarks, noted LASTMA’s evolution from using whistles and hand signals to deploying real-time surveillance, automated number plate recognition, and digital tools.
The LASTMA of tomorrow will be driven by technology—AI, drone surveillance, and smart traffic systems,” he added.
With over 4,000 officers now deployed across Lagos and a fully digitised command centre, the agency is better positioned to manage traffic and ease congestion, which, according to the governor, boosts business productivity and strengthens the economy.
He also commended the collaboration between LASTMA and Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1FM for supporting real-time traffic updates and citizen engagement.
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the vital partnership between LASTMA and Lagos Traffic Radio, describing it as a dynamic system for responsive traffic management.
He paid tribute to fallen LASTMA officers, acknowledging their sacrifice: “Your uniform stands as the thin yellow line between order and chaos. We honour your memory and pledge continued support.”
Unveiling a 20-year traffic management blueprint, he called on residents to respect traffic laws and officers, aiming to make Lagos a model for urban mobility in Africa.
He also condemned the harassment of LASTMA personnel, urging the public to treat them as respected public servants. He warned that anyone found guilty of assaulting officers will face prosecution.
