Executive Governoe of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has given credit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, then-Governor of the Southwestern State, for the establishment of the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA).
The Governor said, the Agency saddled with the mission to manage traffic in Lagos started with just “1,000” officers, but, right now, it has expanded to more than “4,000” officers.
Sanwo-Olu added, even countries around Africa have come to study how traffic is managed here.
He made the statement on the 25th anniversary of LASTMA on Tuesday 15 July, 2025.
Governor Sanwo-Olu wrote on X: “Yesterday marked 25 years since the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, was established on July 15, 2000.
“I want to congratulate everyone who has ever worn the LASTMA uniform, past and present. Your dedication, courage, and resilience have helped shape the agency into what it is today.
“We owe the creation of LASTMA to the foresight of our then-Governor and now President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He understood, even then, that managing traffic in Lagos would require a homegrown solution. And so, LASTMA was created to keep our roads moving, to enforce order and open up new jobs for Lagosians.
“It is worth noting that the current General Manager, Mr. Oki Bakare Olalekan, was part of the pioneer set of cadets who graduated 25 years ago. That is a full-circle moment and a testament to the strength of leadership and continuity within the agency.
“LASTMA started with just 1,000 officers. Today, the agency has grown to over 4,000. States across Nigeria and even countries across Africa have come to study how we manage traffic here. It is something we should all be proud of.
“To those who have led the agency before now, I thank you. To those who have served and paid the price, whether through injury or the ultimate sacrifice, we remember and honour you. Your efforts were not in vain.
“As a government, we will continue to stand with LASTMA. You are critical to keeping Lagos moving, and your role will remain a priority as we build a better, safer, and more efficient city.
“Thank you for 25 years of service.”
