Lagos drivers, take note — munching on that meat pie or sipping a cold drink behind the wheel might land you in jail.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has issued a stern warning: anyone caught eating, drinking, or smoking while driving risks prosecution and possible jail time, all under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.
Announcing the clampdown via its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, LASTMA emphasized, “Smoking, drinking, and eating while driving is an offence under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law 2018.”
This move comes amid growing concern over the alarming rise in traffic accidents across Lagos. LASTMA’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, recently spoke out about the disturbing trend of avoidable crashes and fatalities on Lagos roads, linking many of them to driver distractions.
“We’re losing too many lives to recklessness,” Bakare-Oki noted, stressing that distracted driving — including activities as seemingly harmless as snacking or lighting a cigarette — is a major culprit.
So, while it may seem harmless to unwrap a snack at a red light or puff a quick smoke during traffic, LASTMA says the law is clear: stay focused or face the consequences.
With this zero-tolerance policy in place, it’s best to keep your hands on the wheel — and your jollof for later.
