LASTMA to Launch Free Short Code for Traffic Updates, Complaints

LASTMA to Launch Free Short Code for Traffic Updates, Complaints

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has announced plans to roll out a free short code service that will allow residents, particularly motorists, to report traffic situations and engage directly with the agency across Lagos.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed this during an interview, stating that the initiative is in its final stage and awaiting approval from telecom network providers. He said the short code is expected to go live within two to three weeks, replacing the longer phone lines currently in use.

According to him, the agency has already completed technical preparations, including the installation of necessary machinery and communication equipment at its digital call centre to ensure seamless rollout once approval is secured.

Bakare-Oki explained that the new platform will enable Lagos residents to provide real-time traffic updates, report emergencies, and give feedback on the conduct of traffic officers. Motorists will also be able to alert authorities to road obstructions, accidents, illegal parking, and congestion hotspots, improving response time and traffic coordination.

READ ALSO:

• Malami Challenges EFCC in Court Over Seized Assets, Claims Lawful Wealth
• Gunmen Kidnap 23 Pupils, Proprietor’s Wife in Kogi Orphanage Attack, 15 Rescued
• Airlines Threaten Nationwide Shutdown Over Jet A1 Fuel Price Surge

He noted that LASTMA’s call centre currently operates with about 10 trained responders and is designed to accommodate multiple languages, including English, Yoruba, and other local dialects, to ensure wider accessibility for residents.

The LASTMA boss added that the agency maintains a strong operational synergy with other emergency and security bodies, including the Lagos State Ambulance Service, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Nigeria Police Force, and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA). He said this inter-agency collaboration has been critical in managing incidents and ensuring swift emergency response across the state.

“There is an inter-agency collaboration that is top-notch, and that is how we are able to address emergency and traffic issues in the state,” he said.

Providing insight into current operations, Bakare-Oki revealed that the agency received nearly 300 calls between January and March, though he admitted there had been service disruptions due to ongoing system upgrades.

“The system has been experiencing downtime because of the integration. We give the assurance that in the next two to three weeks, we will be back on board strong and with better service delivery to Lagos residents,” he said.

Industry observers note that the introduction of a short code aligns with broader efforts by the Lagos State Government to digitise traffic management, enhance citizen engagement, and tackle the persistent challenge of congestion in Nigeria’s commercial hub.

Once operational, the short code is expected to complement LASTMA’s existing communication channels, including social media and physical response units, offering a faster, more accessible way for residents to connect with traffic authorities.

LASTMA to Launch Free Short Code for Traffic Updates, Complaints