As weekend parties swell across Lagos, so does the traffic chaos they leave behind.
Concerned by the growing trend of event spillovers choking public roads, the state government has sounded a clear warning: social venues misusing public space will be held accountable.
General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Olalekan Bakare-Oki, issued the warning after he conducted surprise inspections at several traffic-prone areas over the weekend.
During his visit, he identified a rising trend—event venues spilling into public roads, converting major routes into makeshift parking lots and causing severe traffic congestion.
Consequently, Bakare-Oki criticised the organisers of such events for their disregard of public order.
He condemned their actions, stating that they inconvenience motorists, delay commuters, and block emergency routes.
“Event organisers must stop turning Lagos roads into private venues,” he said.
Sanctions For Offenders
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He reaffirmed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to enforcing discipline, fairness, and order across Lagos roads.
Therefore, he announced that the state government will no longer tolerate the use of public roads for private or entertainment purposes.
He made it clear that individuals and organisations who block or encroach on roads will face penalties and legal prosecution.
Call For Responsible Planning
To address the issue, Bakare-Oki directed all LASTMA units to strengthen intelligence gathering and intensify patrols, especially during weekends and festive seasons when such violations peak.
In addition, he urged venue owners to act responsibly.
He advised them to hire certified traffic managers or collaborate with LASTMA to create tailored traffic plans for their events.
Ultimately, the government aims to ensure safe, free-flowing roads for all Lagosians—not just the privileged few.
