By ebosele@hotmail.com –
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has commenced discussions with the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos on possible strategic collaboration to deploy advanced technology for traffic management and control across the state.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, led a delegation of senior management officials on a high-level working visit to the Chinese Consulate, where they were received by the Consul General, Her Excellency Yan Yuqing.
The engagement focused on contemporary traffic management, technological innovation and the growing mobility challenges confronting Lagos as a rapidly expanding megacity.
Bakare-Oki said the increasing vehicular population, expanding commercial activities and rising mobility demands in Lagos required a sophisticated, technology-driven traffic management system capable of improving congestion control, incident management, enforcement, surveillance and road-user engagement.
He stressed the need for LASTMA to leverage cutting-edge technology, international best practices and institutional knowledge to improve the efficiency, precision and responsiveness of its operations.
According to him, the agency is committed to strengthening its operational framework through the deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), real-time traffic monitoring, smart surveillance, artificial intelligence, data-driven enforcement and automated incident detection technologies.
He noted that a strategic partnership with relevant Chinese institutions and stakeholders could provide LASTMA with access to international expertise, technological knowledge and innovative solutions that could be adapted to the peculiarities of Lagos’ transportation ecosystem.
The General Manager, however, emphasised that technology must be complemented by sustained professional development, specialised training and knowledge transfer to equip LASTMA personnel with the skills required to effectively deploy and manage advanced traffic management systems.
Responding, Yan Yuqing welcomed the LASTMA delegation and acknowledged the importance of strengthening institutional and professional exchanges between Lagos State authorities and relevant counterparts and stakeholders in China.
She noted that transportation, urban mobility and technological innovation remained important areas for deeper cooperation and knowledge exchange.
The meeting also examined areas of mutual interest, including intelligent transportation systems, traffic data management, road safety, technological capacity building, operational efficiency and innovative solutions to emerging urban mobility challenges.
Bakare-Oki reiterated LASTMA’s commitment to building strategic relationships with credible local and international institutions capable of contributing expertise and technological solutions towards safer roads, improved traffic flow, efficient incident response and a more orderly transportation environment.
The working visit is expected to broaden LASTMA’s international partnerships and support the agency’s transition towards a more intelligent, technology-enabled, data-driven and sustainable traffic management system in Lagos State.
Other senior management officials at the meeting included Mr. Akeem Adeosun, Mr. Jimmy Awoyemi, Mr. Jubril Oshodi, Ms. Folake Ayeni, Mrs. Afe Babalola, Mr. Akinpelu Ayuba, Mr. Mohammed Giwa and Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department (PA&ED).
