The Lagos State Government has announced plans to reintroduce psychiatric evaluations for traffic offenders, as part of a broader effort to promote discipline and improve road safety across the state.
Sola Giwa, Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, made the announcement on Wednesday, July 16, during the presentation of the communiqué from the second Lagos Traffic Conference. The event also marked the 25th anniversary of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
Giwa explained that the decision followed extensive deliberations and strategic recommendations aimed at enhancing traffic management and reinforcing LASTMA’s effectiveness and public trust.
“To ensure mental fitness among road users, the agency will reintroduce psychiatric assessments for individuals caught driving against traffic,” Giwa stated.
He noted that the policy aligns with previous road safety initiatives designed to deter reckless driving and foster a culture of responsible road use. Giwa also revealed that LASTMA personnel will undergo international training programs to adopt global best practices in traffic control and enforcement.
Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager of LASTMA, outlined the agency’s 20-year strategic blueprint focused on transitioning to a technology-driven traffic management system. He disclosed that LASTMA has begun compiling detailed data on traffic incidents, including road crashes, to support evidence-based government planning.
“This data-driven approach enables the government to make informed decisions and plan more effectively,” Bakare-Oki said.
He added that the long-term plan includes improvements to the welfare of LASTMA officers to boost performance and morale. The agency is also expanding the deployment of Information Technology Systems (ITS) across Lagos, including real-time monitoring tools at Allen Roundabout and surveillance cameras on the Third Mainland Bridge and in Alapere.
“These ITS tools allow us to monitor, control, and enforce traffic behavior in real time,” he explained.
Bakare-Oki noted that the surveillance systems were introduced in response to a surge in road rage incidents following the rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge. Since their installation, he said, road crashes in the area have decreased significantly.
He emphasized that the initiative is not aimed at revenue generation but rather at safeguarding lives and property. He also assured residents of continued improvements in LASTMA’s operations.
Meanwhile, Ayodeji Gbeleyi, Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, congratulated LASTMA on its milestone anniversary, describing the agency as a model for traffic management in Nigeria. Represented by Nonso Okechukwu, Gbeleyi urged LASTMA to deepen collaboration with private transport operators in line with the state’s transportation policies.
He also pledged the Bureau’s support in providing policy direction, advisory on public-private partnerships, and institutional guidance to help realize Lagos State’s vision of a smarter and safer urban environment.
