A team from the Katsina State Safety and Road Traffic Authority (KASSAROTA) has completed a two-day working visit to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to learn how Lagos manages its complex road network.
The visit, led by retired Major General Garba Yahaya Rimi, comes as northern and southern states seek new ways to reduce congestion, improve safety, and modernise traffic enforcement systems.
Why it matters
Katsina, like many Nigerian states, faces rising road congestion, poor compliance with traffic rules, and increasing accident rates.
Lagos—Africa’s fastest-growing megacity has developed a traffic control system that has drawn attention from other states looking for workable, technology-driven solutions.
The study visit signals growing inter-state collaboration on mobility and safety, with potential impact on millions of commuters.
LASTMA says Lagos model built on technology and discipline
Welcoming the delegation, LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the visit reflected the agency’s growing influence across the continent.
“This visit is a resounding affirmation of LASTMA’s rising stature as a model traffic management institution within Nigeria and across the African continent,” he said.
Bakare-Oki added that LASTMA’s progress is linked to “continuous capacity building, effective inter-agency synergy and the strategic deployment of intelligent traffic management technologies.”
He said the Lagos State Government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to building a “technology-driven and people-centric traffic management ecosystem.”
Katsina officials say lessons will improve traffic control back home
Responding during an interactive session, Major General Rimi praised LASTMA for its operational depth.
He said:
“The insights and lessons gleaned from the visit will greatly enhance KASSAROTA’s capacity to strengthen regulatory efficiency and improve traffic administration in Katsina State.”
Rimi also commended LASTMA for its openness and called for continued cooperation among traffic agencies nationwide.
Inside the tour: drones, traffic data and complaint centres
The Katsina delegation visited several LASTMA facilities, including:
Digital Complaint Centre
Department of Planning, Research & Statistics
Traffic Management Systems (TMS)
Drone monitoring operations used for real-time surveillance
Officials also participated in technical briefings on data analytics, public sensitisation, enforcement strategies and institutional development.
Industry reactions
Transport analysts say the visit underscores a growing shift towards professionalised, data-led traffic systems across the country.
They note that while Lagos is far from perfect, its structured traffic response, widespread CCTV coverage and digital mapping system offer a framework that other states can adapt at low cost.
What’s next
Both agencies say they intend to establish long-term partnerships involving joint training, data-sharing, and technology support.
The Katsina delegation included Public Relations Officer Abubakar Marwana, State Secretary Aminu Lawal Rabiu, and State Commandant Dahiru Bagiwa.
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