05/08/2026
NOA LAGOS STATE DIRECTORATE STRENGTHENS PARTNERSHIP WITH LASTMA TO ADVANCE ROAD SAFETY AND PUBLIC ENLIGHTENMENT
The Lagos State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), led by the State Director, Dr. Mustafa Adedeji Tukur, on Wednesday, 5th August 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, at the Authority's Headquarters in Lagos. The visit was aimed at strengthening the existing partnership between both agencies and exploring new areas of collaboration to promote road safety, traffic management, public enlightenment, and improved service delivery across Lagos State.
Dr. Mustafa Adedeji Tukur started by expressing appreciation to the General Manager for granting the agency an audience. He then explained that although the National Orientation Agency is a Federal Government Agency, it works closely with state and local governments in promoting good governance, national unity, and sustainable development. He noted that NOA serves as the vital link between government and citizens by disseminating information on government policies, programmes, and initiatives while also gathering feedback from communities through its nationwide network of Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMOs).
The State Director further highlighted the Agency's broad mandate, which extends beyond public enlightenment to include civic education, value reorientation, health awareness, environmental sanitation, national security, peaceful coexistence, and road safety advocacy. He explained that NOA regularly engages schools, markets, religious institutions, community associations, and other stakeholders while also providing periodic reports on public opinion and community concerns to support informed government decision-making and policy implementation.
Speaking on transportation in Lagos State, Dr. Tukur observed that road transport remains the primary means of movement for people, goods, and services despite ongoing investments in rail and water transportation. He therefore stressed the need for sustained public education, effective traffic management, and stronger collaboration among relevant agencies to improve road safety and reduce traffic violations. He affirmed that NOA is well-positioned to complement LASTMA's enforcement efforts through strategic public sensitisation campaigns that encourage responsible road use, compliance with traffic regulations, and positive behavioural change among motorists, commercial transport operators, and pedestrians.
The State Director also linked the Agency's advocacy to the National Values Charter (NVC) 7for7, noting that safer roads and responsible road usage reflect both the Nigerian Promise and the Citizen's Code. He explained that citizens have a responsibility to demonstrate Discipline, Duty of Care, Accountability, Tolerance and Respect, Environmental Awareness, Leadership, and Resilience by obeying traffic laws, respecting other road users, protecting public infrastructure, and contributing to safer communities. He added that government institutions also have a duty to provide safe, efficient, and accessible transportation systems that promote the well-being of all citizens.
Dr. Tukur commended LASTMA for its commitment to maintaining order on Lagos roads and emphasised the importance of innovation, technology, and inter-agency collaboration in improving service delivery. He expressed confidence that a stronger partnership between NOA and LASTMA would enhance public awareness, improve compliance with traffic regulations, and foster a safer road transport system across the state.
In his response, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, warmly welcomed the NOA delegation and commended the Agency for initiating the courtesy visit. He acknowledged NOA's strategic role in public enlightenment and behavioural change, describing the Agency as a critical partner in promoting traffic discipline and safer roads across Lagos State.
He observed that effective traffic management goes beyond enforcement and requires continuous public education to help motorists and other road users understand traffic regulations and adopt responsible road-use habits. He stressed that changing public attitudes and behaviour remains essential to reducing road crashes, traffic congestion, and traffic-related violations.
The General Manager further expressed LASTMA's readiness to deepen collaboration with NOA through joint public sensitisation campaigns, community engagement programmes, media advocacy, and other strategic interventions designed to promote road safety and encourage compliance with traffic regulations throughout Lagos State.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both agencies agreed to strengthen institutional collaboration through joint public enlightenment campaigns on road safety, coordinated community engagement programmes, information sharing, behavioural change communication initiatives, and the development of strategic advocacy programmes aimed at improving public compliance with traffic regulations.
Those in attendance from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) included Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager; Mr. Oshodi Jubril Adeyemi, Director of Logistics and Transport; and Mr. Giwa Mohammed O., Assistant Director (General Manager's Office).
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) delegation comprised Dr. Mustafa Adedeji Tukur, State Director; Mrs. Echioda Aderoju, Deputy Director, Accounts and Finance; Mrs. Ngozi Obi, Deputy Director, Abuse, Rights and Narcotics; Mr. Anjorin Taofik Ayinde, Personal Assistant to the State Director; Mr. Thompson Olowosile, Head of Audit Department; and Mrs. Omotola Ajao, PRS Department.
The courtesy visit further reinforced the cordial relationship between the National Orientation Agency and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, with both organisations reaffirming their shared commitment to promoting responsible citizenship, advancing the ideals of the National Values Charter (NVC) 7for7, enhancing road safety, improving public awareness, and supporting the Lagos State Government's efforts to deliver efficient transportation services.
The meeting ended on a positive note, with both agencies expressing optimism that sustained collaboration would contribute significantly to safer roads, better traffic management, and increased public confidence in government institutions.