Lagos records surge in accidents involving dispatch riders — LASTMA

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, has expressed concern over the increasing number of road crashes involving dispatch riders and commercial motorcyclists across major roads in the state.

The concern was raised during a strategic road safety and regulatory stakeholders’ engagement organised by LASTMA for courier and dispatch riders in Lagos.

The event, which held at the LASTMA Headquarters in Oshodi, was themed, ‘Ride Smart, Stay Alive’.

A statement by the agency said the engagement brought together courier and dispatch operators, security agencies, transport unions, road safety advocates and government officials to discuss ways of reducing road accidents and improving safety compliance among riders across the state.

Speaking during the programme on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Olawale Musa, the Director of Transport Operations in the ministry, Engr. Olasukanmi Ojowuro, urged dispatch riders and courier operators to embrace responsible riding and obey traffic regulations at all times.

He said the meeting became necessary due to the rising cases of traffic violations, reckless riding and fatal accidents involving dispatch riders on 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 engagement with stakeholders in the sector.

He also advised riders and operators not to see traffic regulations as punishment but as measures introduced to protect lives and ensure smooth movement of vehicles across the state.

Speaking earlier, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described dispatch riders as important partners in supporting the movement of goods and services within Lagos.

“Dispatch riders remain critical partners in sustaining the efficient movement of goods and services within Lagos State’s rapidly expanding commercial landscape,” Bakare-Oki said.  

Bakare-Oki disclosed that operational reports involving dispatch riders in 2025 showed that more than 862 crash victims were rescued through emergency interventions carried out by the agency.

He added that over 16,641 vehicles were impounded for different traffic offences, including reckless driving, obstruction, overloading and mechanical faults.

The LASTMA boss further revealed that several accidents involving dispatch riders had been recorded on major roads such as Eko Bridge, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Otedola Bridge axis, Ikorodu Road, Oshodi-Apapa Expressway and railway crossing points around Ikeja.

According to him, reckless overtaking, driving against traffic, fatigue caused by long working hours, poor motorcycle maintenance, traffic light violations, use of mobile phones while riding and failure to use safety gear remain some of the major causes of the crashes.

“Beyond these safety concerns, dispatch riders also operate under enormous commercial pressure to meet stringent delivery timelines and customer expectations, often navigating difficult traffic conditions for prolonged hours on a daily basis,” Bakare-Oki added.

“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 stated.  

Also speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, urged courier companies and dispatch operators to introduce regular safety training programmes, proper rider documentation and effective monitoring systems to improve professionalism and accountability among riders.

The police commissioner also advised dispatch riders to remain security conscious while carrying out their operations across the state.

Participants at the engagement commended LASTMA for organising what they described as a timely and impactful initiative aimed at improving road safety and strengthening dispatch operations in Lagos.

The programme also featured interactive sessions, safety lectures and discussions on practical steps needed to improve operational standards and ensure compliance among dispatch riders in the state.

Agencies represented at the event includes the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), Lagos Traffic Radio, Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS), State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU) , Lagos State Drivers’ Institute, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Lagos Bus Services Limited (LBSL), Lagos State Task Force, Command and Control Centre, as well as the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service

(LSFRS).