In a decisive move to strengthen urban order, public safety, and environmental renewal, the Lagos State Government has inaugurated two major initiatives aimed at improving traffic management and reclaiming public spaces across the metropolis.
The new measures, unveiled by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), include the commencement of a 24-hour operational framework for traffic enforcement and the clearance of illegal occupations under key bridges in Apapa, Coastain, and Ijora.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Honourable Sola Giwa, officially launched the 24-hour traffic management operations, describing the initiative as a landmark step in Lagos State’s transport governance.
According to him, the continuous operational framework reflects Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision for a city that runs efficiently around the clock, with uninterrupted movement of people, goods, and services.
Hon. Giwa noted that the initiative aligns with the administration’s long-term goal of promoting safety, discipline, and operational efficiency on Lagos roads, especially as the city prepares for the upcoming festive season when vehicular activity typically intensifies.
He explained that the new operational structure is designed to ensure constant monitoring, swift emergency response, and timely clearance of obstructions, regardless of the hour, to reduce gridlock and improve the commuting experience for residents.
“This initiative exemplifies the Lagos State Government’s commitment to safeguarding mobility, preserving lives, and sustaining economic productivity through continuous traffic oversight,” Giwa stated.
A major highlight of the initiative is the creation of a specialized Night Rapid Response Gang within LASTMA. The new unit will be responsible for tackling night-time traffic emergencies such as breakdowns, accidents, and other incidents that impede smooth vehicular flow.
Simultaneously, the Lagos State Government carried out a massive clearance operation along Apapa Road, Coastain, and the Ijora Under Bridge to remove illegal structures, traders, and shanties that had obstructed traffic and endangered public safety.
The enforcement exercise, coordinated by Hon. Giwa in partnership with LASTMA, the Nigeria Police Force, Mobile Police (MOPOL), Lagos State Task Force, and the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), restored order to the affected areas.
During the operation, enforcement teams uncovered an illegal diesel dumping site and confiscated large quantities of expired snacks—including plantain chips and cheese balls—found stored under unhygienic conditions, underscoring the government’s focus on environmental and public health standards.
Officials also discovered blocked drainage channels filled with metal scraps and debris, which had contributed to flooding and environmental degradation in the area. The removal of these obstructions formed a key part of the wider urban renewal efforts.
Additionally, several commercial buses and tricycles operating unlawfully on the newly built Coastain Bridge and Apapa Road were impounded. Shanties beside St. Catholic Church School, Apapa Road, were demolished to restore the area to its proper educational and urban function, while criminal hideouts under the Ijora Bridge were dismantled to enhance public safety.
Hon. Giwa reaffirmed that the Sanwo-Olu administration remains steadfast in its commitment to enforcing public order and environmental regulations, emphasizing that Lagos must continue to be defined by structure, discipline, and safety.
In his remarks, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, appealed to traders, transport operators, and residents to cooperate with the government by adhering to traffic rules, using designated markets, and supporting efforts to maintain a safe and efficient city.
He added that the combination of 24-hour traffic operations and environmental enforcement underscores the state’s integrated approach to sustainable urban mobility—an approach rooted in innovation, proactive governance, and shared civic responsibility.
