The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority and the Nigeria Immigration Service have announced new measures to manage the anticipated increase in road traffic and foreign arrivals during this year’s Detty December festivities.
LASTMA Director of Public Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, said the agency has fully activated a 24-hour traffic operations structure for the season.
“For the first time, LASTMA now operates round-the-clock. We run three shifts, and our night gang works from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. to ensure free flow of traffic,” he said.
Taofiq added that the agency recently convened an ember-month stakeholder meeting with security and transport agencies to harmonize operational plans.
“We are working with the police, army, FRSC, fire service and transport unions to manage movement before, during and after the festivities,” he said.
He also disclosed that the agency’s rescue units have been strengthened to clear broken-down vehicles overnight and that drone surveillance has been deployed for real-time traffic monitoring.
“Our drones are already helping detect incidents. One recently exposed criminal activity around Mile 2,” he said.
Taofiq noted that event centers in Lekki, Ikoyi and Victoria Island have been warned to provide off-street parking or face enforcement actions.
The Nigeria Immigration Service also warned visitors to adhere strictly to entry rules as the volume of arrivals increases.
The Service Public Relations Officer, AS Akinlabi said the agency’s automated e-visa system is helping manage the surge, but overstaying will attract penalties.
“Short-stay visas are valid for 30 days and are not extendable. Overstaying attracts a $15 daily penalty, and prolonged violations can lead to a five- to ten-year travel ban,” he said.
He also urged visitors to be security conscious.
“We encourage all inbound travelers to respect Nigeria’s laws and stay alert, especially during the festive rush,” he said.
Both agencies said joint operations will intensify across Lagos to ensure smooth movement and safe entry procedures throughout December.
