On Friday, September 11, 2026, The General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, accompanied by top management officials of the Agency, undertook a high-level working visit to the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, in furtherance of efforts to explore strategic collaboration on the deployment of advanced technology for traffic management and control in Lagos State.
The LASTMA delegation was received by Her Excellency, Yan Yuqing, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos.
The engagement provided a significant diplomatic and professional platform for an exchange of perspectives on contemporary traffic management, technological innovation and the increasingly complex mobility dynamics of Lagos as a rapidly expanding megacity.
Mr. Bakare-Oki, speaking during the visit, underscored the imperative of harnessing cutting-edge technology, international best practices and institutional knowledge to enhance the efficiency, precision and responsiveness of traffic management operations across the State.
Lagos’ burgeoning vehicular population, expanding commercial activities and escalating mobility demands necessitate a sophisticated, technology-driven traffic management architecture capable of addressing congestion, incident management, enforcement, surveillance and road-user engagement with greater efficacy, he noted.
According to him, LASTMA remains resolute in continually recalibrating its operational framework through the adoption of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), real-time traffic monitoring, smart surveillance, artificial intelligence, data-driven enforcement, automated incident detection and other contemporary traffic control technologies.
The proposed strategic partnership could facilitate access to relevant international expertise, technological knowledge and innovative solutions, while enabling LASTMA to adapt globally tested innovations to the peculiarities of Lagos’ transportation ecosystem, the GM stated.
He further emphasised that technological advancement must be complemented by sustained professional development, specialised training and knowledge transfer to ensure that personnel possess the requisite competencies to effectively deploy and manage sophisticated traffic technologies.
Her Excellency Yan Yuqing, in her response, welcomed the visit and acknowledged the importance of deepening institutional and professional exchanges between relevant authorities in Lagos State and counterparts and stakeholders in China, particularly in transportation, urban mobility and technological innovation.
The discussions further explored areas of mutual interest, including intelligent transportation systems, traffic data management, road safety, technological capacity building, operational efficiency and innovative solutions to contemporary urban mobility challenges.
Mr. Bakare-Oki reiterated LASTMA’s commitment to cultivating strategic relationships with credible local and international institutions whose expertise and technological capabilities can advance safer roads, improved traffic flow, efficient incident response and a more orderly transportation environment.
The working visit consequently represents a significant stride towards broadening LASTMA’s international partnerships and accelerating the transition towards a more intelligent, technology-enabled, data-informed and sustainable traffic management system in Lagos State.
Senior management officials that were present at the meeting are: Mr. Akeem Adeosun, Mr. Jimmy Awoyemi, Mr. Jubril Oshodi, Ms. Folake Ayeni, Mrs. Afe Babalola, Mr. Akinpelu Ayuba, Mr. Mohammed Giwa and Mr. Adebayo Taofiq
Taofiq Adebayo
Director, Public Affairs & Enlightenment Department (PA&ED)
LASTMA
