LAGOS UNVEILS 24-HOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE TO ENHANCE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

In a significant move to enhance the operations of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Lagos State Government has launched a 24-hour Customer Service Centre, equipped with dedicated Toll-Free Hotlines, a Walk-In Complaint Centre, a Website, a Whistleblower App, and a New Department of Statistics, Research, and Data. These Centres are situated at the LASTMA headquarters.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, who officially commissioned the Customer Service Centre, also announced the dedicated lines: 0800-00-527862 or 0800-00-LASTMA for use.

Explaining the initiative, Hon. Sola Giwa said Motorists can contact the Call Centre via the toll-free hotlines to report incidents, request assistance, or seek information on road conditions, including updates on the activities of LASTMA personnel. He said the centre will also enable drivers to get real-time updates on road conditions and traffic advisories, enabling them to plan their routes more effectively, avoid congestion and reduce travel time.

Highlighting the features of the customer support centres, the Special Adviser further explained that the whistleblower app is designed to involve everyone in the state’s traffic management. “When you see something, say something,” he added. The app is available for download on the Android Play Store.

The Transportation Adviser also said the whistleblower app will allow Motorists and other road users to report dangerous driving and other reckless behaviours on the road, enabling LASTMA to take immediate action and uphold traffic regulations. He said the public can also earn points for every valid incident they report and get rewarded for their actions.

Hon. Giwa mentioned that a walk-in complaint centre and a live interactive website (lastma.org) are available for citizens to engage with traffic management personnel, urging everyone to embrace the initiative.

Speaking about the new Department of Statistics, Research, and Data, he explained that the department aims to provide a comprehensive breakdown and analysis of vehicles on Lagos roads. This includes real-time data on the number of vehicles impounded, categorised by private and commercial vehicles, details on accidents and other traffic offences.

Reviewing the data obtained from the enforcement exercise carried out between January and June, 2024, the Special Adviser debunked the erroneous belief that the agency concentrates more on private vehicles disclosing that 5, 547 commercial vehicles were impounded for traffic infringement as against 3, 823 private vehicles. 

In his address, the Commissioner for Transportation Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi emphasised that the customer support centre aims to improve communication between the public and LASTMA, streamline traffic operations, and significantly enhance the overall driving experience in Lagos State. He noted that with the new centres, Traffic Management Officers are now just a phone call away, at no cost to the public.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare Oki, confirmed that officers managing the newly launched Call Centre have been thoroughly trained by the government, noting that the agency will use multiple languages, including English, Pidgin, and Yoruba, to ensure convenient communication for all members of the public.

 He reiterated the agency’s commitment to prioritising public feedback, stating that input from citizens will aid in efficient traffic management across the state.

The event was also attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos Ministry of Transportation Mr. Olawale Musa, Directors in the ministry and LASTMA Personnel.