The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has convened a strategic road safety and regulatory engagement for courier and dispatch riders across Lagos State as part of efforts to improve traffic discipline, safety compliance and professionalism within the sector.
The stakeholders’ meeting, held at the LASTMA Headquarters in Oshodi, was organised under the theme, “Ride Smart, Stay Alive,” and brought together courier operators, security agencies, transport unions, road safety advocates and senior government officials.
Speaking at the event on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Director of Transport Operations, Engr. Olasukanmi Ojowuro, stressed the need for dispatch riders to embrace responsible riding habits and comply strictly with traffic laws.
He noted that the engagement became necessary following the increasing number of traffic violations, reckless riding incidents and fatal crashes involving dispatch riders across major roads in Lagos.
According to him, the Lagos State Government remains committed to protecting lives and property through sustainable transportation policies, institutional reforms and continuous stakeholder engagement aimed at improving orderliness and operational efficiency within the transport system.
He also urged riders and operators to see traffic regulations not as punishment, but as measures designed to safeguard lives and ensure smoother movement across the state.
Earlier, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described dispatch riders as vital contributors to Lagos’ growing commercial economy, particularly in the movement of goods and services.
Bakare-Oki disclosed that operational records for 2025 showed that more than 862 crash victims had been rescued through emergency interventions, while over 16,641 vehicles were impounded for offences such as reckless driving, obstruction, overloading and mechanical faults.
He further revealed that several fatal incidents involving dispatch riders had occurred along major corridors including Eko Bridge, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Otedola Bridge, Ikorodu Road, Oshodi-Apapa Expressway and railway crossings around Ikeja.
According to him, major causes of these crashes include reckless overtaking, driving against traffic, fatigue from long working hours, poor motorcycle maintenance, traffic light violations, use of mobile phones while riding and failure to use safety gear such as crash helmets and reflective jackets.
“Every avoidable crash involving a dispatch rider remains a painful reminder that safety must continue to occupy the highest pedestal of our collective priorities,” he said.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, who attended as Special Guest of Honour, advised courier companies to establish regular safety training programmes, maintain proper rider documentation and strengthen monitoring systems to promote accountability and professionalism.
He also urged dispatch riders to remain security conscious while carrying out their duties across the state.
Participants commended LASTMA for organising what they described as a timely and impactful initiative aimed at promoting safer roads and improving dispatch operations in Lagos.
The engagement featured interactive sessions, safety lectures and discussions on practical measures to improve operational standards and regulatory compliance among dispatch riders.
Several government agencies attended the event, including the Federal Road Safety Corps, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Lagos State Ambulance Service, Vehicle Inspection Service, Lagos State Drivers’ Institute and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, among others.
