The World Bank delegate has expressed willingness to support the efforts of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to advance traffic management systems in rapidly expanding urban centres such as Lagos.

The general manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said this in a statement signed by Taofiq Adebayo, the agency’s spokesperson, on Tuesday in Lagos.

According to Mr Bakare-Oki, the delegation, led by Luc Gendre, was on a fact-finding mission to evaluate LASTMA’s traffic management and control strategies within Lagos State.

Mr Bakare-Oki provided a comprehensive exposition of the agency’s operational framework, enforcement protocols, and innovative methodologies to facilitate seamless traffic flow across the metropolis.

He noted that LASTMA’s activities are guided by the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, elaborated on the distinct roles of the agency’s various departments, particularly the contributions of the rescue team.

“This rescue team, which operates during nighttime, promptly removes broken-down or accident vehicles, thereby ensuring unobstructed traffic movement during peak hours,” he said.

The general manager also shared operational statistics for 2024, highlighting the number of vehicular breakdowns successfully managed by LASTMA.

“The efficacy of the agency’s newly established toll-free call centre facilitates real-time reporting by the motoring public, and this enhances LASTMA’s responsiveness.

“Our research and data collation efforts have been instrumental in shaping policies on traffic management and enforcement,” he said.

Mr Bakare-Oki emphasised the critical role of synergy among emergency responders in the state’s traffic management framework.

The World Bank delegation, comprising Gendre (leader), Cecilia Bruno, Elkins Bello, and Emmanuel John, engaged in productive discussions with the LASTMA management team.

They gained valuable insights into the agency’s strategies for addressing the complex traffic challenges unique to Lagos.

The delegation lauded LASTMA’s proactive and innovative initiatives, expressing their willingness to support efforts to advance traffic management systems in rapidly expanding urban centres such as Lagos.

This engagement underscores the vital importance of collaborative partnerships in mitigating traffic congestion and fostering enhanced mobility in megacities.

LASTMA remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering sustainable and efficient traffic management solutions for the benefit of all Lagos residents.

(NAN)