As Lagos prepares for the annual cross-over night celebrations on December 31st, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has issued a stern, non-negotiable warning to motorists and event organizers: unlawful parking and road obstruction will face immediate sanctions. This declaration comes as the city anticipates its most intense traffic pressures of the year.
In a detailed statement released on Sunday, December 28th, 2025, LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, outlined the agency’s proactive strategy to manage the expected chaos. The cross-over night, a cultural and religious tradition marking the transition into the New Year, is characterized by a massive convergence of activities. Churches, mosques, nightclubs, event centers, and public squares become epicenters of celebration, leading to a predictable surge in both vehicular and pedestrian traffic that often overwhelms the city’s infrastructure.
“While we fully recognise the cultural, religious, and communal significance of these gatherings,” Bakare-Oki stated, “the conversion of public roads into improvised parking lots or unofficial event venues constitutes an egregious violation. These acts have dire, real-world consequences beyond mere inconvenience.” He elaborated on the “far-reaching implications,” which include blocked access for emergency services like ambulances and fire trucks, heightened risks for pedestrians forced onto carriageways, and city-wide gridlock that can paralyze mobility for hours.
The Specific Prohibitions: What Motorists Must Avoid
The directive is unequivocal. Motorists are expressly forbidden from abandoning vehicles on:
• Main carriageways and highways.
• Road shoulders and medians.
• Pedestrian walkways and bridges.
• Critical access routes leading to major worship centers, markets, and social hubs.
Furthermore, organizers of street carnivals, block parties, or roadside festivities are cautioned against sealing off inner roads or highways without prior written authorization and coordination with LASTMA and other relevant authorities like the Lagos State Safety Commission.
LASTMA’s Operational Blueprint: The “24-Hour Night Gangs”
To enforce this zero-tolerance policy, LASTMA has activated a reinforced, multi-layered traffic management framework. The cornerstone of this effort is the newly launched “LASTMA 24-Hour Night Gangs” initiative. This involves:
• Strategic Deployment: Trained officers will be stationed at pre-identified traffic flashpoints across all Lagos divisions—from Lagos Island to Alimosho, and Mile 2 to Lekki.
• Rapid Response Units: Mobile teams will patrol major corridors to swiftly clear breakdowns and unauthorized parking before they trigger cascading congestion.
• Advance Surveillance: Monitoring teams will use technology and ground intelligence to anticipate and mitigate potential bottlenecks in real-time.
“The goal is seamless vehicular mobility,” Bakare-Oki emphasized. “Our officers will rigorously enforce regulations and neutralize any unlawful obstruction to traffic flow. Offenders will be sanctioned in strict compliance with extant laws, without exception.”
A Call for Shared Responsibility
Recognizing that enforcement alone is insufficient, LASTMA’s statement included a direct appeal for civic cooperation. Religious institutions, market leaders, and event center owners are urged to provide adequate, off-road parking for their attendees and implement internal traffic control measures. This partnership is crucial to preventing privately generated congestion from spilling onto public thoroughfares.
Finally, a plea was made to all Lagos residents and visitors: exercise patience, restraint, and personal responsibility. Adhering to traffic officials’ directives, carpooling, using designated park-and-walk lots, or opting for ride-hailing services can significantly reduce individual contribution to the night’s traffic challenges. As Lagos welcomes 2026, a collective effort is required to ensure celebrations are not only joyful but also safe and orderly for all.
Reported by Chiazo Ogbolu for the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Edited by Chinyere Omeire.
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