The Lagos State Government has announced the deployment of 500 additional Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officers to key roads and critical corridors ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s visit on April 8 and 9.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, stated on Monday that the move is to ensure “seamless traffic flow, adequate security and minimal disruption to residents” during the President’s inauguration of major projects by the Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration.
“We are working closely with federal and state agencies to ensure that all arrangements for the President’s visit are seamless, secure and befitting of the occasion,” Omotoso said.
“Security, logistics and traffic management plans are being carefully coordinated to minimise disruptions to daily activities while ensuring the safety and comfort of all participants.”
He urged residents to cooperate with authorities and follow traffic advisories and security guidelines issued ahead of the visit, emphasizing that “your understanding and support are essential to the success of this important event.”
General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, added that the additional personnel would be strategically positioned across major roads and project corridors to manage traffic effectively and reduce inconvenience for commuters.
He explained that the deployment forms part of a broader inter-agency traffic management strategy for the smooth conduct of the state visit and commissioning ceremonies.
Bakare-Oki appealed to motorists to obey temporary diversions and cooperate with traffic officers during the two-day visit.
President Tinubu is expected to inaugurate key projects, including the Ojota/Opebi Link Bridge, the Lagos State Geographic Information Service Building, the Alausa Multi-Agency Complex named after the President, the Tolu Schools Complex in Ajegunle, and the Mid-Level Agro-Produce Hub in Abijo, Ibeju-Lekki along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
Omotoso highlighted that these projects demonstrate the administration’s focus on transportation, infrastructure, education, and public sector development, stating: “These projects have been carefully conceived and executed to address the growing needs of our population, ease mobility, stimulate economic activities and enhance social welfare. They are a testament to our unwavering commitment to building a Greater Lagos, one that is inclusive, sustainable and globally competitive.”
Regarding the Tolu Schools Complex, Omotoso noted that the facility serves about 20,000 pupils across 36 public schools in Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA, featuring new classrooms, ICT hubs, laboratories, sports facilities, health centers, solar panels, and inclusive buildings for persons with disabilities.
On the Alausa Multi-Agency Complex, he said the facility was designed to integrate multiple government agencies within Ikeja’s administrative hub, covering 2.01 hectares and including four blocks, a penthouse, and parking for 300 vehicles.
Speaking on the Opebi-Ojota Link Bridge, Omotoso explained the 5.04-kilometre project, initially conceived over 20 years ago, was revived and flagged off in January 2022 to address persistent traffic challenges in the Ikeja metropolitan area.
He added that the President’s visit underscores the strong federal-state partnership and highlights the importance of continuity in governance.
Officials present at the briefing included the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya, and Special Advisers on Works and Infrastructure, Dr Adekunle Olayinka and Mr Femi Daramola. Mr Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Lagos State Governor, also urged residents to comply with instructions from LASTMA officers.