Traffic Obstruction: Lagos Govt Warns Event Centres, Night Clubs
The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to owners and operators of event centres, nightclubs, lounges, and other social gathering venues against obstructing traffic across the state.
General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, gave the warning during traffic surveillance and inspection of high-traffic corridors over the weekend.
Bakare-Oki expressed displeasure over the growing trend of public roads being blocked by vehicles from social events, causing traffic gridlocks and delaying emergency services.
He stressed that the state government would no longer tolerate the conversion of public roads into parking spaces or extensions of private events.
He said venues found obstructing traffic through indiscriminate parking, road closures, or encroachment would face immediate sanctions and prosecution.
Bakare-Oki directed all LASTMA zonal commanders to intensify patrols, especially during weekends and festive periods, and urged the public to report violations via the agency’s toll-free emergency line 0800-00-LASTMA (080000527862).
“It is both necessary and urgent to reassert, in categorical terms, that no individual, corporate body, or event organisers regardless of stature or affiliation has the prerogative to appropriate public roadways as ancillary extensions of their private ventures or leisure domains,” he was quoted as saying in a statement issued on Sunday by LASTMA’s spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq.
Bakare-Oki also advised operators of event centres and entertainment hubs to engage certified traffic personnel or prepare traffic management plans in collaboration with LASTMA before hosting large events.
“As Lagos continues to integrate technology into its urban infrastructure transforming transportation, digital governance, and public service delivery, it becomes increasingly imperative for all residents and stakeholders to embrace a culture of discipline, respect for civic order, and responsible use of shared infrastructure,” he said.
“Traffic gridlocks arising from unregulated social activities constitute an egregious affront to collective wellbeing and a needless impediment to the city’s economic momentum,” Bakare-Oki added.
THE WHISTLER reports that a birthday celebrant identified as Ogundare Olubunmi, along with four others, was arrested by the Lagos State Government in October 2024 for obstructing a road during a party.
Other individuals arrested include Omolara Ajetumobi, an event planner; Ayodele Busuyi, a musician; Owoeye Adedayo, a sound engineer; and Akinola Akinkunmi, a vendor.
The state’s Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, who revealed this, stated that the individuals were apprehended for blocking Raymond Njoku Road in Southwest Ikoyi.
He emphasized that they would be prosecuted under the state’s laws.
Traffic Obstruction: Lagos Govt Warns Event Centres, Night Clubs is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
