The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has issued a stern warning to operators of event centres, nightclubs, lounges, and organisers of social gatherings across the state to desist from actions that obstruct free flow of traffic.
The warning was issued by the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, during surveillance and on-the-spot inspections carried out at several traffic-prone areas in Lagos.
Bakare-Oki expressed concern over the increasing disregard for traffic laws, especially during social events, where roads are often taken over by indiscriminate parking and overcrowding, causing gridlock, delaying emergency response services, and inconveniencing commuters.
He noted that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to ensuring order, safety, and equity on Lagos roads and would not tolerate the continued misuse of public infrastructure for private entertainment purposes.
“It is important to make it clear that no individual, corporate body or organiser of any social event has the right to convert public roads into private parking or event spillover zones,” he said.
The LASTMA boss stressed that venues such as clubs, event halls, and recreational centres found obstructing traffic through illegal parking, closure of access routes, or encroachment on public road shoulders will face immediate sanctions, including legal prosecution.
To prevent such occurrences and ensure strict compliance, Bakare-Oki directed all Zonal Commanders and Monitoring Units of LASTMA to intensify surveillance, increase patrols, and deploy officers to identified hotspots—especially during weekends, festive periods, and large evening events.
He urged all stakeholders in the entertainment and hospitality sector to cooperate with traffic authorities and play their part in maintaining sanity on the roads.
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