In a significant move underscoring its commitment to accountability, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has publicly disclosed disciplinary actions against 19 of its officers for gross misconduct in 2025. The sanctions, ratified by the Lagos State Civil Service Commission (CSC), represent a clear institutional response to long-standing public concerns over traffic enforcement conduct.
General Manager Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, in an exclusive interview, detailed the breakdown of the sanctions: five officers were dismissed outright, nine were demoted in rank, and five received serious warning letters. This tiered approach suggests the authority is evaluating infractions based on severity, moving beyond blanket punishments to more nuanced disciplinary measures.
Bakare-Oki emphasized that this action is not an isolated event but part of a broader “check and balance mechanism” designed to curb officer excesses. A key component of this system is an enhanced surveillance unit that operates akin to “mystery shoppers.” These plain-clothes officers monitor their colleagues in the field, identifying those who deviate from official protocols. This proactive, internal oversight model is a critical step towards self-regulation and building public trust, which is often eroded by perceptions of corruption or abuse of power.
The General Manager assured that public feedback is taken seriously. “Whenever the authority receives feedback concerning officers’ misbehaviour, actions were promptly taken… We do due diligence to establish the truth,” he stated. This points to a formalized complaints and investigation process, though the exact channels for public reporting (e.g., hotlines, dedicated email, app-based reporting) were not detailed in the announcement.
Beyond discipline, Bakare-Oki connected these accountability measures to LASTMA’s core mission: ensuring a free flow of traffic for Lagos residents and the motoring public. The implication is that misconduct—such as extortion, arbitrary arrests, or negligent management—directly contributes to the very traffic congestion LASTMA is meant to alleviate. By holding officers accountable, the authority aims to foster a more professional, rules-based enforcement environment that ultimately benefits all road users and supports the seamless movement of goods and persons.
This disclosure sets a precedent for transparency in a sector often criticized for opacity. It signals to both the public and the LASTMA rank-and-file that misconduct has tangible consequences. The true test, however, will be in the consistency and longevity of this enforcement drive and whether it leads to a measurable, positive shift in public perception and on-road behavior. For Lagosians, this news may offer a glimmer of hope for a more accountable and effective traffic management system.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Edited for context and analysis.
