The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has broken new ground in traffic governance by formally inducting selected journalists as “Media Mayors,” a role designed to strengthen collaboration between the agency and the press in tackling the city’s daunting traffic challenges.
The induction ceremony, which took place on Wednesday, September 22, 2025, at the agency’s headquarters in Oshodi, drew notable media professionals, traffic officers, and stakeholders. It marked the unveiling of a fresh partnership model between the state’s foremost traffic management body and the fourth estate of the realm.
In his remarks, LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the programme as a forward-thinking initiative that places journalists at the core of advocacy, transparency, and accountability in road management.
According to Bakare-Oki, the “Media Mayor” initiative was designed to integrate journalists directly into LASTMA’s operational framework. He explained that the inductees would serve not just as reporters but as advocates for road safety, conveyors of real-time traffic intelligence, and watchdogs against malpractice on Lagos roads.
“By inducting you today as Media Mayors, we confer not merely a ceremonial accolade but a profound responsibility to serve as the voice and conscience of our collective aspiration for a Lagos in which traffic discipline and orderliness prevail unfailingly,” he declared.
The General Manager outlined four primary responsibilities for the Media Mayors: timely dissemination of accurate traffic information, objective exposure of infractions and systemic lapses, active involvement in enlightenment campaigns, and provision of evidence-based feedback to guide policy.
Turning to the realities of the state, Bakare-Oki stressed that Lagos, though occupying less than one percent of Nigeria’s landmass, is weighed down by the country’s highest population density, making traffic regulation especially demanding.
He disclosed that Lagos currently accommodates more than two million vehicles daily—an overwhelming figure compared to international standards, which recommend just 11 vehicles per kilometre, against Lagos’ staggering 400 vehicles per kilometre.
The General Manager also drew attention to the socio-economic pressures that heighten congestion. With 69 tertiary institutions, 26 deposit money banks, and a concentration of industries and commercial hubs, Lagos has become a magnet for movement and trade.
Adding to the load, Bakare-Oki revealed that 70 percent of Nigeria’s cargo—both wet and dry—is routed through Lagos. Yet, despite its limited landmass, more than 90 percent of the state’s transportation system still depends on road travel.
He commended LASTMA officers for their resilience in responding to daily emergencies, describing them as first responders who often work side by side with the Lagos State Fire Service, emergency medical units, and ambulance services to restore order and save lives.
Looking ahead, Bakare-Oki assured that LASTMA is investing in modern technology, including Traffic Management Systems, drones for aerial surveillance, and responsive hotlines. These, he said, would be deployed alongside human resources to improve efficiency and safeguard property.
The induction of journalists, he emphasized, represents a solemn covenant between the agency and the media. He underscored that traffic management is not the sole responsibility of enforcement officers but a collective obligation that must include every stakeholder.
Congratulating the newly inducted Media Mayors, Bakare-Oki urged them to make their tenure impactful through responsible reporting and a commitment to public education. He encouraged them to use their platforms to inspire compliance with traffic rules while holding the agency itself accountable.
With the launch of the Media Mayor initiative, LASTMA has opened a new chapter in traffic governance—one where collaboration, accountability, and advocacy converge to build a safer and more orderly Lagos.