The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority recorded 38,000 vehicles for traffic violations through its digital enforcement system in the second quarter of 2026, as the agency expanded its use of technology across the state.
Olalekan Bakare-Oki, general manager of LASTMA, said the agency detected the offenses using its Traffic Management Solution devices between April and June.
The figure was significantly higher than the more than 3,000 vehicles apprehended through physical enforcement during the same period.
Bakare-Oki said the numbers reflected LASTMA’s gradual shift from roadside enforcement to technology-driven traffic monitoring.
“LASTMA is trying to move from physical enforcement to technology-driven enforcement, and that is why we captured more vehicles with technology in the second quarter of the year,” he said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.
Physical enforcement targets major traffic violations
Although digital systems accounted for most of the recorded violations, LASTMA officers continued to carry out physical enforcement against motorists whose actions directly disrupted traffic flow.
The agency targeted offenses such as indiscriminate parking, driving against traffic, illegal use of Bus Rapid Transit lanes, failure to use designated bus stops, and failure to wear seat belts.
These violations remain major causes of congestion and road safety risks in Lagos, where millions of residents rely on already overstretched roads every day.
Bakare-Oki said LASTMA issued court papers to motorists after establishing sufficient evidence of the alleged offenses.
The affected drivers were then expected to appear before the Lagos State Mobile Court, which has the authority to determine guilt and impose fines.
“After the court papers, they were taken to the Lagos State Mobile Court. It is only the mobile court that has the right to convict or issue a fine,” he said.
Motorists who choose not to contest the charges in court may complete a waiver form at LASTMA’s Legal Department and pay the prescribed penalty.
However, Bakare-Oki encouraged affected drivers to appear before the mobile court to exercise their right to a fair hearing.
“We encourage them to appear at the Lagos State Mobile Court to be given fair hearing,” he said.
Digital enforcement changes how motorists are monitored
LASTMA’s technology-driven approach means motorists can now face enforcement action without being stopped immediately by an officer.
The system allows the agency to capture evidence of traffic offenses and begin legal procedures using digitally recorded information.
For motorists, the shift means traffic violations can be detected even when enforcement officers are not visibly present.
Bakare-Oki urged road users to obey traffic regulations, saying compliance remained the most effective way to avoid penalties and support smoother movement across the state.
Lagos begins clearance operation on Badagry Expressway
The LASTMA boss also confirmed that the agency had joined a multi-agency enforcement operation on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
The exercise followed a directive from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during the state’s monthly environmental sanitation program.
“He ordered that all agencies concerned should clear the Lagos-Badagry Expressway,” Bakare-Oki said.
He said the operation, which began last week, focused on removing abandoned vehicles, waste, and other obstructions along the corridor.
“This started last week. It is aimed at clearing trash, removing vehicles, and all other encumbrances from the road,” he said.
The operation involves LASTMA, the Lagos State Waste Management Authority; the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline; the state task force and the Lagos State Ministry of Environment.
The Lagos-Badagry Expressway serves residents, businesses, and transport operators across several densely populated communities. Obstructions along the route often worsen congestion and increase travel time for commuters.
What this means
LASTMA’s growing reliance on digital enforcement could change how traffic violations are detected and prosecuted across Lagos.
Motorists may no longer need to be stopped on the road before the agency begins enforcement action. Cameras, digital monitoring devices and drones can provide evidence of offenses and support cases presented before the mobile court.
The shift could also reduce roadside confrontations between motorists and traffic officers while allowing LASTMA to monitor more locations with fewer personnel.
However, the agency will need to maintain a transparent enforcement process, preserve reliable evidence, and give motorists a clear opportunity to challenge disputed violations.
LASTMA expands technology use
The digital enforcement figures form part of LASTMA’s wider plan to modernize traffic management in Lagos.
The agency has also introduced drone operations to monitor traffic conditions, support security surveillance, and improve emergency response.
The drones provide real-time aerial views of congestion, crashes, and other incidents, allowing officials to respond more quickly.
The wider use of cameras, digital tracking systems, and aerial surveillance could improve traffic management in Lagos, but its success will depend on fair enforcement, public trust, and clear communication with motorists.
