LASTMA Urges Media Collaboration, Warns Against Unverified, Defamatory Reports
By Rashidat Olushola Okunlade
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has reiterated its commitment to fostering a stronger, strategic partnership with the media, while cautioning against the dissemination of unverified and defamatory reports that could undermine public trust in government institutions.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, made this known following the outcome of an investigative panel set up to probe allegations published by an online platform accusing some agency operatives of extorting ₦100,000 from commercial bus operators along the Coastal Road corridor.
According to Bakare-Oki, the panel’s findings revealed that the vehicles involved were apprehended for willful obstruction, a violation of existing traffic laws. He clarified that all fines imposed were duly paid into government accounts, with verifiable proof of payment presented by the drivers during the investigation process.
“These findings clearly invalidate the allegations of extortion,” he stated, emphasizing the Authority’s adherence to transparency and due process.
The LASTMA boss further highlighted the critical role of the media in promoting public awareness, traffic discipline, and civic responsibility. He described the press as a vital partner in shaping informed public discourse and sustaining democratic governance.
However, he stressed that this responsibility must be exercised with professionalism, accuracy, and strict adherence to ethical journalism standards. While acknowledging the importance of constructive criticism in a democratic society, Bakare-Oki warned that the spread of unverified claims and sensational narratives poses a serious risk to institutional credibility and public confidence.
He urged media organizations to prioritize fact-checking and due diligence before publication to prevent the spread of misinformation.
Reaffirming the agency’s openness, Bakare-Oki assured that LASTMA remains accessible and responsive through its official communication channels for verification and clarification of issues. He also pointed to the availability of a toll-free hotline and a dedicated Physical Complaints Unit (PCU) for public engagement and grievance redress.
The Authority concluded by calling on media stakeholders to uphold the core principles of journalism, accuracy, balance, and responsibility in order to protect the integrity of the information space and sustain public trust.
