6th June, 2011
The Lagos State Government has retrained 100 officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA for better service delivery in traffic management in the state.
The training was held at the Public Service Staff Development Centre, PSSDC, Magodo, Ketu, Lagos, southwest Nigeria last week
The officers were trained in applying effective customer relations strategies in traffic management; effective traffic management in a mega city; health and safety issues in traffic management, among others.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Oluseyi Coker flagged of the training, saying that since transportation was vital for the development of any nation, it was important that traffic managers be trained on how to ensure effective management in the metropolis.
“We need an efficient transportation system. It takes a serious government to know that there are challenges and find ways to turn the challenges around. The government has done so much in providing equipment for LASTMA officers,†he said.
He added that discipline was pivotal if any organization must move forward, stressing that the government does not condone unruly behaviour from LASTMA officers as those found wanting were always disciplined.
Coker warned LASTMA officers against overzealousness, saying that they should desist from tarnishing the image of the government through their actions.
Director General, PSSDC, Mrs. Olubunmi Fabamwo said the increasing efficiency and effectiveness with which governments and their agencies tackle issues of human and vehicular traffic within the metropolis and within the country was always indicative of the responsiveness to making life easier for the citizens.
“Over the years, LASTMA has delivered on its mandate and has had its share of praise and commendations. It has also had its share of blame arising largely from the overzealousness of a few operatives often for selfish or pecuniary gains.
“A fair assessment had been that Lagos roads will be worse than they are if government removes LASTMA from the roads. Hence, government’s response to this fair assessment has put in place measures to remind operatives of their roles not only as enforcers of the law but as protagonists of the cause to make Lagos citizens traffic literate,†she said.
Fabamwo stated that the training was fashioned towards building capacity and enhancing service delivery in all aspects of the state public service, adding that the training was designed to engage LASTMA operatives on effective traffic management.