By Demilade Adeniyi
Sunrise News, Lagos, Nigeria, July 9, 2024: To enhance the operations of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Lagos State Government yesterday launched a 24-hour Customer Service Center, equipped with dedicated Toll-Free Hot Lines, a Walk-In Complaint Center, a Website, a Whistleblower App, and a New Department of Statistics, Research, and Data.
This Center is situated at the LASTMA headquarters.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation Hon. Sola Giwa officially opened the Customer Service Center and announced the dedicated lines: 0800-00-527862 or 0800-00-LASTMA.
Explaining the initiative, Hon. Sola Giwa said motorists can contact the Call Center via the toll-free hotlines to report incidents, request assistance, or seek information on traffic conditions, including updates on the activities of LASTMA personnel. He said the center 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 centers, 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.
Giwa mentioned that a walk-in complaint center and a live interactive website (lastma.org) are available for citizens to engage with traffic management personnel, urging everyone to embrace the initiative.
Discussing 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, categorized by private and commercial vehicles, details on accidents and other traffic offenses.
In the demonstration on statistics and data carried out between January and June, 2024, the Special Adviser debunked the 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 emphasized that the customer support center 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 center, 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 Center 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 prioritizing 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.