The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has issued a strong warning to owners and managers of event centres, nightclubs, lounges, and social event planners across the state: stop turning public roads into your parking lot.
Speaking during a citywide inspection of traffic hotspots, LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said he was deeply concerned by how some high-profile social gatherings keep spilling onto roads, creating unnecessary gridlock and delaying emergency services.
“It’s frustrating. You plan an event, but you don’t plan for parking. Next thing, your guests are blocking roads, frustrating commuters, and causing chaos,” Bakare-Oki said.
He reminded Lagosians that under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s leadership, there’s a clear goal to maintain order and discipline on the roads. No individual, company, or event organizer—no matter how big or influential—has the right to take over public spaces for private events.
Bakare-Oki was firm: Any venue—be it a wedding hall, lounge, or party house—that blocks roads or parks illegally will face penalties and legal action. LASTMA has now directed all its Zonal Commanders to ramp up patrols and closely monitor traffic-prone areas, especially during weekends and festive seasons when events are most common.
To help reduce congestion, he urged event centre owners and organizers to either hire trained traffic personnel or work with LASTMA ahead of their events to create proper traffic management plans.
“This is not about witch-hunting anyone,” he added. “It’s about protecting the right of every Lagosian to move freely without being trapped in unnecessary hold-ups caused by unregulated parties.”
He encouraged residents to report road obstructions to LASTMA through their toll-free emergency line, assuring that the agency’s enforcement will be fair, consistent, and backed by law.
As Lagos continues its journey into smarter urban governance, Bakare-Oki emphasized the need for everyone to play their part—by being responsible and respectful of shared infrastructure.
“Lagos belongs to all of us. Let’s work together to keep it moving.”
