The Lagos State Government has issued a stern caution to event venues and social centers across the state, warning them against the unauthorized use of public roads that obstruct the free flow of traffic.
This directive was made public by Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, the General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), through a statement released on Sunday.
Mr. Bakare-Oki delivered the warning during his unscheduled visits to several traffic-prone areas across Lagos, where he witnessed firsthand the congestion caused by improperly managed social gatherings. He expressed alarm over the increasing incidence of elaborate parties and other private events spilling over onto major roads, an act he described as not only disruptive to motorists but also dangerous, particularly when emergency access routes are blocked.
According to him, this emerging trend has become a source of unnecessary hardship for drivers and commuters who are forced to navigate through unexpected bottlenecks caused by event guests occupying public spaces meant for free vehicular movement. He emphasized that such actions are unacceptable and must be firmly curtailed.
Reaffirming the stance of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, Bakare-Oki stressed that the government remains fully committed to promoting order, discipline, and equity on all public roads throughout Lagos. He made it clear that the state will no longer turn a blind eye to the illegal appropriation of public roads for private purposes, regardless of the status of the individuals or organizations involved.
In his words, “No person or organisation, regardless of status, has the right to annex public roads for private or entertainment use.” This, he said, applies to all entities, including popular clubs, halls, and event centers. Any establishment found guilty of obstructing roads or engaging in roadside encroachment will be penalized in accordance with state regulations, including the possibility of legal proceedings.
To reinforce compliance, Bakare-Oki has instructed all LASTMA divisions across the state to strengthen their intelligence-gathering operations and to scale up patrol activities, particularly on weekends and during holiday periods when traffic congestion tends to spike due to an increase in social functions.
He further advised venue owners and event planners to act with a sense of civic responsibility. He encouraged them to either engage trained traffic personnel or collaborate directly with LASTMA to put in place proper traffic management strategies for their events. Doing so, he said, would ensure smoother traffic flow and minimize disruptions to the larger public.
What You Should Know
The Lagos State Government, through LASTMA, has declared its intent to clamp down on event centers that disrupt traffic by using public roads as overflow parking or venue extensions.
Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki emphasized that such acts are illegal and disruptive, particularly when they block emergency routes.
Going forward, violators risk facing stiff penalties and legal action. The government is urging venue operators to cooperate with LASTMA or hire certified traffic managers to avoid causing public inconvenience.
