The primary responsibility of LASTMA is to ensure that there is free flow of traffic in all parts of Lagos, and by extension, uphold traffic laws.
However, the fulfillment of this responsibility has come with challenges observed by the general public.
This is the essence of the policy session held by Nigeria Global Affairs Council (NGFC), a policy think-tank in partnership with BudgIT focusing on Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) and its activities.
This is in their bid to birth policies that can help to mitigate loopholes and tendencies for corruption among government agencies and departments.
Speaking at the dialogue with Oki Samson of Trek Africa Newspaper, the President of Nigeria Global Affairs Council, Elder David Kehinde Samuel noted: ‘We majorly look at government agencies and how they interface with the public and think of where we can reduce corruption.
The essence of today’s session is how we can uphold traffic rules. We didn’t just identify the loopholes. We also came up with policy proposals that we know LASTMA can adopt.’
‘Some of them include that LASTMA should come up with tech tools that enable them to book traffic offenders and you can electronically send them their fines for breaking traffic rules.
LASTMA should also set clear road signs if there are roads that should not be passed instead of setting traps for people to get into, for example, one-way.
They should adopt body cams which allows for evidence collection in case where the issues end up in courts so that the courts can dispense justice that is fair and everybody can see to be true because the agency can produce evidence in court.
We also talked about empathy.
LASTMA officials can never tell what issues motorists are going through so that even if you are to fine, you will have shown empathy.
If adopted, this will enable better outcomes for LASTMA and people will have a good perception of the government agency.’
On how they will transmit the deliberations to policy influencers, Elder David said: The next thing is we will package summary report of what we have done today and have a meeting with the top hierarchy of LASTMA.
The goal is to see how we can work with LASTMA.
Some of these things may have to be incorporated into their laws.
We also need to upscale to work with the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Transportation and Ministry of Transportation so that it can trickle from top-to-down and be reflected statewide.’
Present at the event, Jubril Adeyemi Oshodi, Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) Controller in charge of Post III (comprising Agege, Ifako, Gbagada, Ojodu Berger, Iju Ishaga, Alausa CBD, Ogba and its environs) shared: ‘This programme is a brilliant idea. We should have more of this.
It is a good one from this organization to be confident enough to meet to conduct an x-ray into the activities of a government agency especially like ours which is the first port of call in the morning and the last at night.
We are always there in the nooks and crannies of the state.
And of course, all the concerns raised are very germane knowing fully well that the role we play is very important, we won’t take it for granted.’
‘The take-homes for us are that we need to check and amend our ways where we are lacking and improve on our performances where we have been given kudos and commendation.
And foster very strong and sustainable ties with citizens and other agencies who are stakeholders in this government business. By so doing, we will achieve the mandate that’s been given to us and we will reach Eldorado.’
‘I want to encourage motorists to be law-abiding and comply with all traffic laws.
They should be very patient especially now that Lagos is being seen as construction zone which is a very good one for us because there is a price to pay but the end result is that we will all enjoy the dividend of the renewal that the government is making which will make life easier and more comfortable for all of us.’
The event which also drew other security agencies involved in traffic management like the Nigeria Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) also had a panel session.
The PRO of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, ASCI Abolurin Oluwaseun shared: 'The high points for us will be that there has to be sensitization of the public on traffic, also proffering solutions for traffic congestion, jams, and hitches in Lagos, and the use of technological inputs to solve traffic issues such as body cameras, video cams, and collection of data.’
‘Taking a cue from what the NSCDC Commandant has been doing which is to assist traffic control and management.
I think we need interagency collaboration in reducing traffic gridlocks.
The message is for the citizens to comply with traffic rules and regulations. They should cooperate with the agencies.
We need a collective approach. We don’t need to pursue traffic offenders in a bid to punish them.
Revenue collection can also be done in a civil manner rather than pursue them and cause accidents.’
A police officer and deputy Officer in Charge of State Motor Traffic Division, SP Oshiomogho Silvanus remarked: ‘The traffic situation now in Lagos is getting advanced.
The technological deployment will make traffic easier and our agencies are going to step up.
The government is doing well but we want to ask for more.
Whatever technological input that can make the job easy for the police and other sister agencies is a welcome development.’
Trekafrica.net
No comments:
Post a Comment
All comments, advise and encouragement are always welcome.
We are here to serve you better.
Thanks for visiting!
Management