Lagos orders psychiatric evaluation for 18 traffic offenders

The Lagos State Government has mandated psychiatric evaluations for 18 motorists caught driving against traffic (one-way) as part of its renewed efforts to enforce road discipline and enhance public safety.

This directive was issued by the General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, in a statement released on Sunday by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Mr. Taofiq Adebayo.

Bakare-Oki described the move as a strategic, rehabilitative measure to address the rising incidence of reckless driving, particularly one-way violations, which continue to pose serious risks to lives and road infrastructure in the state.

He stated that the offenders, recently apprehended for deliberately violating traffic flow, will be arraigned immediately and subjected to a mandatory psychiatric assessment to determine their cognitive and behavioral fitness for road use.

“The psychiatric tests are not meant to stigmatize or punish, but to serve as a preventive and corrective intervention in line with global best practices in traffic psychology,” he explained.

He emphasized that despite ongoing awareness campaigns, many motorists still disregard traffic regulations, leading to accidents, congestion, and road damage.

LASTMA, he noted, remains committed to upholding the rule of law, promoting road safety, and maintaining order on Lagos roads. The agency urged all road users to obey traffic rules and contribute to creating a safer and saner motoring environment across the state.