The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has explained that the widespread praise it received during the 2025 Detty December festivities was the result of careful planning, improved operations and better traffic discipline across the state.
During the festive season, LASTMA became a major topic of public discussion as residents and visitors applauded how traffic was managed despite the massive influx of people into Lagos. One of the loudest endorsements came from popular singer, Timi Dakolo, whose public praise sparked conversations online and drew national attention to the agency’s performance.
Speaking on Saturday, LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr Oki-Bakare Olalekan, said the commendation was encouraging but not accidental. According to him, the agency began preparations months ahead, following clear directives from the Lagos State Governor as early as September.
“The number of people that came into Lagos during Christmas and New Year was unprecedented,” Olalekan said. “It gave us a real opportunity to test the traffic management framework we had already put in place.”
Unlike previous years, he explained that LASTMA adopted a proactive strategy, rolling out a comprehensive traffic plan from October through December, rather than reacting to congestion as it happened. The agency identified major flashpoints, especially areas with high nightlife and entertainment activities such as Lekki, Ajah, Victoria Island, Ikoyi and Surulere, and deployed personnel and equipment ahead of time.
One major innovation was the introduction of a Night Gang Shift to complement the existing morning and afternoon operations. This ensured round-the-clock traffic control, especially in nightlife hotspots where traffic peaks late at night.
“Our A.M. shift runs from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., the P.M. shift from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., while the Night Gang Shift starts from 6:30 p.m., ensuring full 24-hour coverage,” he explained.
Over 1,800 officers were deployed during December, supported by tow trucks and recovery vehicles to quickly clear broken-down vehicles and accident scenes. Olalekan said this significantly improved response time and traffic flow.
However, he noted that challenges remain, particularly motorists’ behaviour. Issues such as lane indiscipline, speeding and disregard for traffic rules still contribute to congestion and accidents. He cited a late-night container truck accident at Apongbon Bridge that took nearly two hours to clear.
He added that through the EMBER Months campaign, LASTMA engaged transport unions and fleet operators on road safety, vehicle maintenance and traffic compliance.
Olalekan also highlighted the pressure on Lagos roads, noting that although the state occupies less than one per cent of Nigeria’s landmass, it hosts over five million registered vehicles and handles a large share of the country’s cargo movement.
Since his appointment in November 2023, he said the agency has focused on rebranding, staff training, discipline and technology-driven enforcement to improve service delivery.
Reaffirming LASTMA’s commitment, Olalekan said the positive feedback from Detty December serves as motivation to do even better.
“Lagos is a mobile, service-driven economy,” he said. “What people saw during Detty December reflects part of the dividends of democracy, and we remain committed to keeping Lagos moving.”
