Chukwu Obinna 
LAGOS, Nigeria – Traffic authorities in Lagos have on Thursday impounded 27 vehicles during a targeted enforcement operation against unsafe loading practices, citing rising accident risks across the city.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says the crackdown follows repeated warnings to motorists about violating load capacity and safety regulations.
General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki explains that officers discovered widespread breaches on major highways and inner streets, with commercial vehicles emerging as the worst offenders.
“LASTMA enforcement officers exposed a deeply concerning pattern of indiscriminate overloading,” Mr Bakare-Oki says. “Goods are stacked in luggage compartments and dangerously mounted on vehicle roofs.”
He warns that such practices obstruct rear visibility, destabilise vehicles and severely impair driver awareness, particularly during overtaking.
“These violations significantly increase the likelihood of avoidable road traffic collisions,” he adds.
According to LASTMA, overloading breaches contravene Lagos State traffic laws and endanger both motorists and pedestrians.
The agency says enforcement operations will continue, stressing that compliance is non-negotiable.
“LASTMA urges motorists to adhere strictly to stipulated loading capacities and maintain unobstructed visibility at all times,” Mr Bakare-Oki says.
He reiterates the agency’s commitment to professional and impartial enforcement in support of the state government’s road safety agenda.
Residents are encouraged to report violations through LASTMA’s emergency hotline: 0800-005-27862.
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