Wednesday, November 5, 2025 - The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has intensified its crackdown on illegal roadside activities, impounding 155 vehicles, including tricycles and heavily loaded trucks, found operating unauthorised garages and parks across the Lagos Island axis.
The large-scale operation, supervised by the Special Adviser
to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Sola Giwa, targeted unlawful garages,
roadside shanties, and informal trading spots that have become sources of
gridlock, environmental degradation and insecurity for residents and commuters.
Confirming the development in a statement yesterday, Mr
Adebayo Taofiq, Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of
LASTMA, stated that the enforcement aligns with the agency’s 24-hour traffic
management and control mandate.
Giwa stated that the operation forms part of the Lagos State
government’s broader strategy to enhance mobility, enforce compliance, and
maintain traffic sanity before, during, and after the forthcoming festive
season.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Governor
Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to maintain law and order across all
transport corridors through strict enforcement of traffic regulations and a
zero-tolerance policy against infractions.
“Illegal garages, unregulated markets, and roadside shanties
have persistently undermined our collective aspiration for a smooth and orderly
traffic system in Lagos,” Giwa said. “These impoundments send a strong and
unequivocal signal that the state government will no longer condone any
unlawful activity capable of disrupting public order or endangering lives and
property.”
He explained that the enforcement aims to promote a safe, clean, and orderly urban environment for motorists and pedestrians while restoring discipline to key traffic corridors.
The operation covered major flashpoints including Ebute-Ero, Oke-Arin Market, Odofin Street, Elegbata, and Marina (Oando Under Bridge), which have long been notorious for gridlock caused by unauthorized parking, indiscriminate trading, and makeshift garages.
Authorities noted that these illegal activities not only
obstruct vehicular movement but also pose safety risks to pedestrians and
legitimate business operators.
Residents and business owners in affected areas commended
the government’s action, describing it as timely and necessary for reclaiming
the city’s aesthetics and ensuring safety.
Giwa assured that the enforcement would be sustained and
expanded to other parts of the state where similar infractions persist. He
urged motorists, traders, and transport operators to comply with traffic and
environmental regulations, stressing that voluntary compliance remains key to
an efficient transport system.
He further advised motorists to report broken-down or
abandoned vehicles, trailers, or trucks to LASTMA via its emergency hotline.
“The ultimate vision of the Lagos State government is to bequeath to its residents a safer, cleaner, and more liveable city. Adherence to traffic regulations is not merely a legal necessity but a shared civic responsibility,” he said.
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