The Lagos State Government has announced that all hotels, nightclubs, event centres, and other hospitality and entertainment venues in the state must now secure official approvals from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and the Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) before hosting large gatherings or events. Authorities say the move is aimed at curbing traffic congestion, preventing illegal parking, and enhancing safety around event venues.
In an official statement, the government explained that the measure is part of a broader strategy to ensure smoother traffic flow, safeguard road infrastructure, and protect both motorists and pedestrians. Event organisers will be required to submit detailed plans in advance, outlining expected attendance, parking arrangements, and crowd management strategies. This will allow LASTMA and LASPA to deploy the necessary traffic control and enforcement resources before events take place.

Officials noted that several venues have been identified as major contributors to traffic disruptions, particularly during weekends and festive periods, due to poor planning and disregard for parking laws. These lapses often lead to prolonged gridlock, inconvenience to residents, and accidents. With the new requirement, the government aims to take a proactive approach to traffic management rather than reacting after problems arise.
The directive follows increasing public complaints about chaotic traffic conditions during high-profile events. In some cases, entire streets were blocked by indiscriminate parking, forcing commuters to take long detours. LASTMA officials emphasised that early notification will help them coordinate traffic diversions and maintain order in affected areas.
LASPA’s role will be to ensure that adequate and legal parking spaces are provided either within event premises or at designated off-site locations. The agency will assess parking availability, ensure compliance with regulations, and recommend necessary adjustments before granting approval. This will help eliminate roadside parking and the obstruction of pedestrian walkways and restricted areas.
The state government stressed that the policy is not designed to stifle nightlife or entertainment, which significantly contribute to Lagos’s economy, but to create a balance between recreation and public order. Operators are urged to see the measure as a collaborative effort to improve guest experience and maintain the city’s reputation as a vibrant yet orderly urban hub.
Non-compliance will attract penalties such as fines, temporary closure, and in severe cases, revocation of operational licenses. The public is also encouraged to report venues causing excessive traffic obstruction or public nuisance.
Some venue owners have expressed support for the initiative, noting that it could reduce tension between businesses, residents, and law enforcement. Others, however, raised concerns over potential delays in securing approvals and appealed for a fast and transparent approval process to prevent disruption to scheduled events.
Urban planning and transportation experts pointed out that similar approval systems operate in many global cities to regulate traffic during large gatherings. They believe Lagos could benefit significantly from such a system, particularly as the city’s population and vehicle numbers continue to grow.
The initiative also aligns with Lagos’s urban mobility plan, which seeks to harmonise road use, public transportation, and pedestrian safety. By embedding event approvals into this broader plan, the government hopes to create a culture of foresight and compliance among event organisers.
Success, however, will rely heavily on cooperation between hospitality businesses, government agencies, and the public. The state has promised to continue stakeholder engagement, conduct public sensitisation campaigns, and issue clear guidelines to make compliance seamless. With coordinated effort, officials believe Lagos can sustain its booming entertainment scene without sacrificing traffic flow and resident comfort.
The Lagos State Government reiterated that the ultimate goal of the new approval system is to strike a balance between economic activity and public convenience. By ensuring that event organisers take responsibility for traffic and parking arrangements, the state hopes to reduce the friction that often arises between businesses and surrounding communities. Authorities believe that this proactive approach will not only ease movement around event venues but also enhance the overall safety and accessibility of the city for all road users.
Furthermore, the government assured stakeholders that both LASTMA and LASPA will work towards a streamlined, technology-driven approval process to avoid unnecessary delays. This includes the possibility of online applications, faster inspections, and real-time communication channels with organisers. By combining effective regulation with modern solutions, Lagos aims to create a sustainable framework where entertainment thrives alongside efficient traffic management and orderly urban living.
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