LASTMA cracks down on event centres, nightclubs over traffic obstruction in Lagos
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, has issued a firm warning to proprietors of event centres, nightclubs, lounges, and organisers of social gatherings to desist from obstructing traffic during events across the state.
General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, gave the directive during a series of unscheduled inspections and surveillance exercises along major traffic-prone corridors within Lagos metropolis.
Expressing concern over the persistent encroachment of public roads during high-profile events, Bakare-Oki criticised the indiscriminate use of public roadways for parking and crowd spillover, describing it as a major contributor to gridlock, disruption of emergency response routes, and unnecessary hardship for commuters.
He reiterated the Lagos State Government’s commitment, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s leadership, to enforcing discipline, orderliness, and equity in the use of public infrastructure, particularly roadways.
“It is important to make it abundantly clear that no individual or organisation, regardless of influence or social standing, is permitted to convert public roads into parking lots or overflow zones for private or commercial events,” Bakare-Oki said.
He added that any facility, whether a club, event hall, or social venue, found culpable of blocking access roads, encouraging illegal parking, or encroaching on public road shoulders will face immediate sanctions, including prosecution.
The LASTMA boss directed all zonal commanders and field units to increase patrols, boost intelligence gathering, and deploy personnel to identified hotspots, particularly during weekends, festive periods, and large social functions.
He also urged members of the public to report violations through the agency’s dedicated toll-free emergency line.
Bakare-Oki also appealed to hospitality and entertainment business owners to act responsibly by engaging certified traffic managers or consulting LASTMA for approved traffic management plans ahead of large gatherings.
“This is a shared responsibility. Event organisers must begin to prioritise public safety and show consideration for the rights of other road users,” he stated.
LASTMA cracks down on event centres, nightclubs over traffic obstruction in Lagos
