LASTMA to Launch Free Short Code for Traffic Updates and Complaints

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, has announced plans to introduce a free short code that will allow Lagos residents and motorists to report traffic issues more easily.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the agency is working to replace its current long phone number with a simple short code. He disclosed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos.

Why LASTMA Is Introducing a Short Code

According to Bakare-Oki, the new short code will make it easier for people to reach LASTMA during traffic, emergencies, or when they need to report road issues.

He said the agency has completed most of the required work and is only waiting for final approval from the network provider.

The short code is expected to become active within the next two to three weeks.

What Lagos Residents Can Report

The new short code will allow motorists and residents to send useful information to LASTMA.

People will be able to report traffic congestion, road emergencies, LASTMA officers’ conduct, accidents, complaints, and other road-related issues.

This is expected to improve communication between LASTMA and the public.

LASTMA’s Digital Call Centre

Bakare-Oki also said LASTMA already has a digital call centre with 10 responders.

The call centre can assist residents in Yoruba, English, and local street language, making it easier for people from different backgrounds to communicate with the agency.

He said the short code will improve the service and make LASTMA more responsive.

Stronger Emergency Response in Lagos

LASTMA said it is also working closely with other emergency agencies in Lagos.

These include the Lagos State Ambulance Service, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency.

Bakare-Oki said this inter-agency cooperation helps LASTMA respond better to traffic and emergency cases across the state.

Why Calls Dropped Recently

The LASTMA boss said the agency received almost 300 calls between January and March.

However, he explained that there was a recent drop in call activity because of system downtime caused by the integration of the new short code.

He assured Lagos residents that the agency would return with stronger service delivery once the new system becomes fully active.

What This Means for Lagos Motorists

For Lagos motorists, the short code could make traffic reporting faster and easier.

Instead of searching for a long phone number, residents will be able to use a simple code to reach LASTMA and report urgent road issues.

If properly managed, the system could help reduce delays, improve emergency response, and make traffic management more effective in Lagos.

FAQs

What is LASTMA’s new short code for?

LASTMA’s new short code will allow Lagos residents and motorists to report traffic updates, emergencies, complaints, and officer conduct.

When will the LASTMA short code start working?

LASTMA says the short code is expected to become active within the next two to three weeks, after final approval from the network provider.

Will the LASTMA short code be free?

Yes. LASTMA says the short code will be free for Lagos residents and motorists to use.

What can motorists report through the short code?

Motorists can report traffic congestion, accidents, road emergencies, complaints, feedback, and the conduct of LASTMA officers.

Can residents speak local languages when contacting LASTMA?

Yes. LASTMA says its call centre can respond in Yoruba, English, and local street language.