By Christopher Oji
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has impounded 9,370 vehicles from January 2024 to June 2024 for alleged traffic violations.
It also recorded 256 casualties during the period under review.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, confirmed the figures, yesterday ,during a meeting with relevant stakeholders in the transportation industry.
Giving the categories of the vehicles seized , Bakare-Oki, said that 3,034 private vehicles were impounded: 1,849 cars, 549 buses, and 636 Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), among others.
According to the General Manager, “256 casualties were recorded during this period.”
He urged the motoring public, especially motorists to obey all traffic rules and regulations and to respect traffic managers.
In a statement by Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LATSMA,Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, he explained that,”in the last six months, it has been a mix of good, bad, and ugly, but we have managed to overcome many challenges, particularly in training and retraining our personnel,” Bakare-Oki said.
“We have successfully trained 2,000 of our staff, both internally and externally.
“He revealed that over 900 personnel were trained externally in collaboration with the training department of the Nigerian Police, Lagos Command.
“Additionally, more than 1,200 traffic officers received training from three different consultants on leadership skills, emotional intelligence, customer care, and incident management.
“We are undertaking these initiatives to improve our service delivery to Lagos residents. LASTMA aims to rebuild public confidence, particularly in public relations.”
“Mr. Bakare-Oki announced that the authority’s call centre would be launched soon and would be toll-free, accommodating English, Yoruba, and Pidgin to facilitate feedback”.
