State Governor of the Centre of Excellence, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, paid glowing tribute to officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) as the agency clocked 25 years on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
The statement, shared on the governor’s official media handle, traced the agency’s establishment to the administration of then-Governor and current President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who in 2000 initiated the creation of a specialized body to address the growing traffic challenges of Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu commended past and present officers of LASTMA for their courage, determination, and unwavering commitment to traffic control and orderliness across the state. He noted that the agency has evolved from its modest beginnings with 1,000 officers to a force of over 4,000 personnel today — a growth that has drawn attention from other Nigerian states and even countries across Africa.
“LASTMA was created to keep our roads moving,” the governor said, adding that the agency has not only helped restore sanity on the roads but also created employment opportunities for thousands of residents.
In a personal nod to institutional continuity, Sanwo-Olu highlighted the current General Manager, Mr. Oki Bakare Olalekan, as one of the pioneer cadets from 25 years ago, describing his leadership as a reflection of the agency’s internal capacity and development.
He also paid respects to former leaders of the agency, officers who have sustained injuries, and those who lost their lives in the line of duty, saying their service and sacrifices will not be forgotten.
Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting LASTMA as a key agency in maintaining road discipline and improving the flow of traffic in Africa’s most populous city.
“You are critical to keeping Lagos moving, and your role will remain a priority as we build a better, safer, and more efficient city,” he said.
