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The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has urged dispatch riders and courier operators across Lagos to embrace safer riding practices and strictly obey traffic regulations to reduce road accidents and improve public safety.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the call was made during a stakeholders’ engagement organised by LASTMA at its headquarters in Oshodi under the theme, “Ride Smart, Stay Alive.”
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The meeting brought together dispatch riders, courier operators, transport unions, security agencies, road safety advocates and government officials to address the rising number of crashes involving commercial motorcyclists and dispatch riders in Lagos.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Director of Transport Operations, Olasukanmi Ojowuro, said the engagement became necessary due to increasing cases of reckless riding, traffic violations and fatal accidents recorded in different parts of the state.
Ojowuro stressed the need for dispatch riders to prioritise safety, comply with traffic laws and adopt responsible riding habits while carrying out their operations.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to protecting lives and property through transport reforms, stakeholder engagement and sustainable safety policies.
According to him, traffic regulations should not be viewed as punishment but as measures designed to safeguard lives and ensure smooth traffic movement across Lagos roads.
Speaking at the event, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described dispatch riders as important players in the movement of goods and services within Lagos’ commercial environment.
He disclosed that operational reports for 2025 showed that more than 862 crash victims had been rescued through emergency interventions, while over 16,641 vehicles were impounded for various traffic offences.
Bakare-Oki identified major causes of accidents involving dispatch riders to include reckless overtaking, one-way driving, fatigue from long working hours, poor motorcycle maintenance, traffic light violations, use of mobile phones while riding and failure to wear safety gear such as crash helmets and reflective jackets.
He noted that several fatal crashes involving dispatch riders had occurred along major routes including Eko Bridge, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Otedola Bridge, Ikorodu Road, Oshodi-Apapa Expressway and railway crossing points around Ikeja.
Also speaking, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, advised courier companies and dispatch operators to strengthen rider documentation, improve monitoring systems and organise regular safety training for riders.
Participants at the engagement commended LASTMA for organising what they described as a timely initiative aimed at improving road safety and operational standards within the dispatch and logistics sector.
The programme featured safety lectures, interactive sessions and discussions on improving regulatory compliance among dispatch riders and courier operators.
Agencies present at the event included the Federal Road Safety Corps, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority.
