As Lagos prepares for cross-over night festivities, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has issued a stern notice to motorists regarding the misuse of public highways.
The agency warned that indiscriminate parking and the unlawful blocking of roads will not be tolerated during the transition into the New Year.
The directive was made public on Sunday, the 28th of December, 2025, through an official statement by the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki.
Bakare-Oki highlighted that major routes surrounding religious centers, event halls, markets, and nightlife hubs must be kept clear for the public. He noted that the influx of pedestrians and vehicles during cross-over celebrations is frequently worsened by uncoordinated street parties and roadside carnivals.
While acknowledging the festive spirit of the season, the General Manager was firm on the agency’s stance: “While recognising the cultural, religious, and communal value of these activities, LASTMA condemns the misuse of public roads, including their conversion into improvised parking spaces or informal event venues,” Bakare-Oki said.
He further emphasized the danger of these actions, stating: “Such acts are egregious violations of traffic regulations with far-reaching implications for public safety, emergency response, and urban mobility,” he added.
The agency has specifically banned the following behaviors during the festive period:Vehicle Abandonment, Parking on road shoulders, medians, carriageways, or pedestrian walkways.
Closing off inner roads or highways for street parties or carnivals without official coordination.
Access Interference: Obstructing critical entry points to mosques, churches, and social venues.
Enhanced Enforcement: The “24-Hour Night Gangs”
To manage the anticipated surge in traffic, LASTMA has scaled up its operational framework. Bakare-Oki revealed that surveillance teams and rapid response units have been mobilized under a specialized initiative.
“This will ensure seamless vehicular mobility, rigorously enforce parking regulations, and swiftly neutralise any unlawful obstructions to traffic flow,” he said.
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The General Manager made it clear that there would be no leniency for those who disregard these rules, warning that offenders will face sanctions strictly according to the law.
LASTMA is urging religious leaders, event planners, and business owners to take proactive steps by securing adequate parking for their guests and implementing internal traffic management to prevent “spillover” onto public roads.
In closing, Bakare-Oki requested that all residents and visitors support traffic officers and maintain patience to ensure a safe and orderly start to the New Year across Lagos State.