Special Reports

LASTMA launches toll-free emergency hotline to improve traffic response in Lagos

The agency said the hotline is available free of charge to subscribers on MTN, Glo and 9mobile (formerly Etisalat), allowing millions of users to contact traffic officials without incurring call charges.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has launched a new toll-free emergency hotline, 3367, to enable residents report traffic incidents and monitor the conduct of traffic officers across the state.

According to the statement, the new short-code replaces LASTMA’s previous long-service code platform and is intended to provide road users with a faster and more accessible channel for reporting traffic-related emergencies.

The agency said the hotline is available free of charge to subscribers on MTN, Glo and 9mobile (formerly Etisalat), allowing millions of users to contact traffic officials without incurring call charges.

Through the 3367 platform, motorists and other road users can report incidents such as broken-down vehicles, road crashes, disabled articulated trucks, stranded fuel tankers, traffic obstructions and other emergencies requiring immediate intervention.

LASTMA stated that the hotline would also serve as a channel for members of the public to report the conduct and professionalism of its personnel while on duty, describing the measure as part of efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability and service delivery.

To improve accessibility, callers will be able to communicate with operators in English, Yoruba or Pidgin English.

The launch marks the fulfilment of an earlier commitment by LASTMA to introduce a dedicated toll-free short code as part of efforts to make its services more accessible to residents and improve emergency response on Lagos roads. The agency has, in recent months, stepped up the deployment of technology in its operations, including surveillance drones, GPS-enabled patrol vehicles and a central command-and-control system aimed at reducing response times to traffic incidents.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the initiative as a major step towards improving emergency response and deploying technology to address Lagos’ traffic management challenges.

LASTMA

“The inauguration of the 3367 Toll-Free Short-Code Hotline represents another monumental stride towards institutionalising a safer, more efficient and highly responsive transportation ecosystem across Lagos State. It provides residents with a direct, convenient and cost-free channel through which incidents requiring immediate intervention can be promptly reported,” Mr Bakare-Oki said.

He explained that the rapid growth of Lagos as one of Africa’s largest cities requires a technology-driven traffic management system capable of responding quickly to evolving transportation challenges.

Mr Bakare-Oki assured residents that all reports received through the hotline would be handled professionally and confidentially before being forwarded to the appropriate operational units for prompt action.

He urged residents to take advantage of the platform to report emergencies and support efforts to improve road safety, strengthen accountability and promote more efficient traffic management across Lagos State.

The introduction of the hotline also complements the Lagos State Government’s broader efforts to improve emergency response coordination across the state by expanding the use of digital communication tools and providing residents with quicker access to public safety agencies during emergencies.