The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) is seeking a strategic partnership with the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos to introduce advanced technology for improved traffic management and control across the state.
LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki led a high-level delegation of senior officials on a working visit to the Chinese Consulate, where they discussed collaboration in traffic management, technological innovation and urban mobility.
The team was received by Consul General Yan Yuqing.During the meeting, Bakare-Oki emphasised the need to adopt advanced technology, international best practices and institutional expertise to strengthen traffic operations in Lagos.
He noted that the city’s growing number of vehicles, expanding commercial activities and rising mobility demands require a sophisticated, technology-driven system capable of tackling congestion, incident response, enforcement, surveillance and public engagement more effectively.
According to a statement by LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Taofiq Adebayo, the agency remains committed to upgrading its operations through Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), real-time traffic monitoring, smart surveillance, artificial intelligence, data-driven enforcement and automated incident detection.
Bakare-Oki said the proposed partnership would give LASTMA access to international expertise, technological knowledge and innovative solutions that could be adapted to Lagos’ unique transport challenges.
He also stressed that technological upgrades must be paired with continuous professional development, specialised training and knowledge transfer so that staff can effectively operate and manage the new systems.
In response, Yan Yuqing welcomed the visit and highlighted the value of stronger institutional and professional exchanges between Lagos authorities and their Chinese counterparts, particularly in transportation, urban mobility and technological innovation.
Discussions focused on intelligent transportation systems, traffic data management, road safety, capacity building, operational efficiency and practical solutions to urban mobility problems.
Bakare-Oki reaffirmed LASTMA’s readiness to partner with both local and international institutions that can help deliver safer roads, smoother traffic flow, faster incident response and a more orderly transport environment.
The visit forms part of LASTMA’s broader effort to expand international partnerships and accelerate the development of a technology-enabled, data-informed traffic management system for Lagos.
Other senior officials present included Akeem Adeosun, Jimmy Awoyemi, Jubril Oshodi, Folake Ayeni, Afe Babalola, Akinpelu Ayuba, Mohammed Giwa and Adebayo Taofiq.