The Lagos State Government has launched a 24-hour Customer Service Centre, equipped with dedicated toll-free hot lines, a walk-in complaint Centre, a website, a whistleblower App, and a New Department of Statistics, Research, and Data.
This is in a move to enhance the operations of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
The Centres are situated at the LASTMA headquarters, Oshodi, Lagos.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation Sola Giwa officially opened the Customer Service Centre and announced the dedicated lines: 0800-00-527862 or 0800-00-LASTMA.
Explaining the initiative, Giwa said motorists could contact the centres through 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 centres would 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 centre, the Special Adviser further explained that the whistleblower app was 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 would allow motorists and other road users report dangerous driving and other reckless behaviour on the road, enabling LASTMA to take immediate action and uphold traffic regulations.
He said the public could also earn points for every valid incident they report and get rewarded for their actions.
Giwa also mentioned that a walk-in complaint centre and a live interactive website (lastma.org) were 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 aimed 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, Oluwaseun Osiyemi emphasized that the customer support centre aimed 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 these new centres, traffic management officers are now just a phone call away, at no cost to the public.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare Oki, confirmed that officers managing the newly launched call centre had been thoroughly trained by the government, noting that the agency would 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 would 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.
However, on the premise of this laudable project, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on his X page made it known that Building a transportation support system that works for the people of Lagos is the Government top priority.
“That’s why we’re introducing the LASTMA toll-free line 0800 0052 7862, available from 8 AM to 10 PM daily. It’s here to handle your complaints, whistleblower reports, and inquiries.”
“Your feedback is essential in creating a safer and more efficient transportation network. By using this toll-free line, you can help us improve traffic management and ensure a smoother experience for everyone.”
“Let’s build a Greater Lagos together.”
