The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) recently concluded a two-day intensive training program designed to enhance the leadership capabilities of its senior officers. The training, held in Ikeja, focused on strategic leadership for effective traffic management within the bustling metropolis of Lagos. This initiative was prompted by the traffic challenges experienced during the 2024 yuletide season, particularly the period known as “Detty December.” The training aimed to equip senior LASTMA officials with the necessary skills and strategies to proactively address traffic congestion and ensure smoother traffic flow for Lagosians. Recognizing the complexity of Lagos’s transportation system, the training emphasized the importance of planning, crisis management, and inter-agency collaboration.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, highlighted the proactive nature of the training, emphasizing the importance of thorough planning in mitigating future traffic challenges. He underscored the significance of learning from past experiences, particularly the difficulties encountered during the previous festive season, to develop effective strategies for improved traffic management. Giwa stressed that incident management, a core function of LASTMA, often involves crisis situations, requiring officers to be well-prepared and equipped to handle such scenarios effectively. The training aimed to provide the officers with the necessary tools and expertise to navigate these complex situations and minimize disruptions to traffic flow.
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, echoed the importance of continuous training and retraining for the agency’s personnel. He explained that the training initiative is a crucial part of a broader strategy to improve public perception of LASTMA and enhance the agency’s overall performance. Bakare-Oki acknowledged public concerns regarding the agency’s effectiveness and stressed the importance of addressing these concerns through improved training and a renewed focus on professionalism. He emphasized that investing in human capital is essential for achieving the agency’s mandate of ensuring the economic growth of Lagos and promoting the safety and security of all road users. The training, he stated, is geared towards equipping officers with the skills to manage traffic incidents effectively and contribute to a safer and more efficient transportation system in Lagos.
The training sessions included insights from experienced professionals in the field of leadership and crisis management. Ponnle Ajibola, the former Lagos State Commissioner for Establishment and Training, served as one of the trainers, emphasizing the critical roles of teamwork and proactive crisis management. Ajibola urged LASTMA officers to prioritize collaboration among stakeholders and adopt a proactive approach to address potential traffic challenges. She highlighted the need for agility and decisive action in crisis situations, encouraging officers to deviate from bureaucratic processes when necessary to ensure swift and effective responses. Ajibola also stressed the importance of leadership by example and fostering a collaborative environment where junior officers feel empowered to contribute their insights and expertise.
A key takeaway from the training, as articulated by participating officer Abimbola Kensington, was the importance of fostering open communication and empowering junior officers. Kensington noted that the training emphasized the value of allowing subordinates to express themselves freely, particularly in the line of duty. This approach, she believes, will facilitate more informed decision-making and contribute to a more effective and responsive traffic management system. The training, according to Kensington, provided valuable insights into delegation and leadership, empowering officers to create a more inclusive and collaborative work environment.
The two-day training program signifies LASTMA’s commitment to improving traffic management in Lagos State. By focusing on strategic leadership development, crisis management, and inter-agency collaboration, the agency aims to enhance the skills and capabilities of its officers. This investment in human capital is seen as a crucial step towards achieving the agency’s objectives of ensuring smoother traffic flow, promoting road safety, and contributing to the economic growth of Lagos. The training underscores the importance of learning from past experiences, adopting proactive measures, and empowering officers at all levels to contribute to a more efficient and responsive traffic management system. The focus on teamwork and open communication within the agency is expected to foster a more collaborative work environment, leading to improved performance and enhanced public perception of LASTMA.
