Anyone who lives in Lagos understands one thing: the roads can be unpredictable.
A journey that should take 20 minutes can suddenly stretch into hours because of a broken-down truck, an accident, a faulty traffic light or a vehicle abandoned in the middle of the road.
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Add bad portions of roads in some areas and the sheer number of vehicles competing for limited road space, and it becomes clear why Lagos remains one of Africa’s busiest cities.
It is for this reason that the Lagos State Government deserves praise for introducing LASTMA’s new toll-free 3367 short-code.
Although the service is only just being introduced, it is a thoughtful innovation that shows the government is looking for practical ways to make life easier for Lagosians. Instead of searching for phone numbers or wondering who to contact during a traffic emergency, residents now have a simple four-digit code they can remember and use without worrying about call charges.
That alone is a step in the right direction.
Another commendable aspect of the initiative is that callers can communicate in English, Yoruba and Pidgin English. In a city as diverse as Lagos, language should never stop anyone from reporting an emergency, and LASTMA deserves credit for recognising this reality.
However, introducing the hotline is only the first step. The bigger challenge is ensuring that people know it exists.
A good number means little if the public is unaware of it. LASTMA should embark on an aggressive publicity campaign across radio and television stations, newspapers, social media, bus terminals, markets and major highways. Commercial drivers, private motorists, transport unions and commuters all need to understand what 3367 is for and how it works. The more people know about it, the more effective it will become.
One of the most important features of the new hotline is that it allows residents to report the conduct of LASTMA officials. This is a welcome move because accountability is essential in every public institution.
The truth is that while many LASTMA officers carry out their duties professionally under difficult conditions, the actions of a few have often damaged the image of the agency.
Reports of some officials demanding money from motorists or commuters, intimidating road users or abusing their authority have, over the years, created distrust among members of the public. Such behaviour should never be allowed to define an agency that has many officers working hard to keep Lagos moving.
If the new hotline helps identify and address such misconduct, it will strengthen public confidence in LASTMA and encourage professionalism within the agency. But accountability must work both ways.
Residents should not see the hotline as an opportunity to make false accusations or raise unnecessary alarm. Every report should be genuine and made in good faith. The same responsibility rests on members of the media, who should verify claims before amplifying them. False reports only waste valuable time and resources that could have been used to respond to genuine emergencies.
Drivers and commuters also have their own responsibilities. Obeying traffic regulations, maintaining vehicles properly, avoiding unnecessary road obstruction and cooperating with traffic officers remain important if Lagos is to enjoy smoother traffic flow.
No government agency can solve traffic problems alone.
The introduction of 3367 is more than just another phone number. It is an opportunity for government and citizens to work together in making Lagos roads safer, more organised and more efficient.
The Lagos State Government has provided the platform. LASTMA must now ensure widespread awareness and prompt response. Road users must use it responsibly. If everyone plays their part, 3367 could become one of the most useful traffic management tools introduced in recent years.
