Lagos government warns event centres against blocking public roads
The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to owners and operators of social event venues against obstructing traffic through the unauthorised use of public roads.
Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), delivered the caution in a statement on Sunday following on-the-spot inspections of several traffic-prone areas across the state.
He expressed concern over the rising trend of lavish events spilling onto public roads, leading to gridlock and impeding emergency response access. Bakare-Oki described the practice as unacceptable and one that imposes unnecessary hardship on motorists and commuters.
“The administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is committed to upholding discipline, fairness, and order on all roads in Lagos,” he said, adding that the state will no longer condone the illegal conversion of public roads into parking or event overflow spaces.
“No person or organisation, regardless of status, has the right to annex public roads for private or entertainment use,” Bakare-Oki stressed.
He warned that clubs, halls, or social venues found guilty of blocking access roads or engaging in roadside encroachment will face sanctions, including legal action.
To boost enforcement, LASTMA units have been directed to increase patrols and strengthen intelligence gathering, especially during weekends and festive periods.
Bakare-Oki advised venue owners to engage certified traffic managers or collaborate with LASTMA to design proper traffic plans tailored for their events.
