Elegbede Abiodun
… officers must uphold the highest standards of public service in order to build trust and maintain the credibility of the organisation.
In a firm demonstration of its enduring commitment to institutional excellence and administrative efficiency, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) today has initiated a well-structured in-house training programme for its Senior Officers, with particular emphasis on Emotional Management, Professional Etiquette and Time Management.
The initiative designed as a strategic effort to strengthen operational discipline and improve service delivery, highlights the Authority’s recognition of the vital role of proper conduct, emotional intelligence and effective time utilisation play in modern public service.
The training programme has been carefully developed to instill in senior officers a strong understanding of professional etiquette, including courteous interpersonal relations, strict adherence to established procedures and the consistent projection of a respectable institutional image in the discharge of their duties.
Participants are being sensitised to the importance of maintaining high standards of conduct, especially in demanding situations where interactions with members of the public particularly motorists require patience, tact and professionalism. Emphasis is also placed on managing emotions effectively, enabling officers to respond calmly and constructively under pressure.
In addition, the programme features a comprehensive module on Time Management, aimed at equipping officers with practical skills to enhance productivity, prioritise responsibilities and ensure efficient use of resources. In a dynamic city like Lagos, where traffic conditions are often complex and unpredictable, effective time management remains essential for prompt and efficient service delivery.
Speaking on the significance of the training, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, reiterated that the success of the Authority largely depends on the discipline, professionalism and emotional stability of its personnel. He emphasised that beyond managing traffic, officers must uphold the highest standards of public service in order to build trust and maintain the credibility of the organisation.
According to Bakare-Oki “The training is also intended to promote a culture of punctuality, accountability and organised workflow among senior officers, who serve as leaders and role models within the Authority. Through this initiative, LASTMA seeks to strengthen professionalism across all levels of its workforce”.
Participants are further exposed to practical exercises and real-life case studies that demonstrate the consequences of poor time management and unprofessional behaviour, enabling them to adopt best practices in their daily operations.
This capacity-building programme represents a deliberate investment in human capital development and is aligned with global best practices in traffic management and public administration. It is expected that the knowledge gained will lead to improved coordination, better public interaction and a more disciplined organisational structure.
As the training progresses, senior officers are expected to share the knowledge acquired with their respective teams, ensuring a lasting and widespread impact across the Authority.
Other components of the in-house training programme include Cyber Security, Specialized Report Writing and Presentation Skills, Understanding Human (Customer) Behaviour, Positive Threat Management and the Effective Use of Communication Radio Systems.
Adebayo Taofiq
Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA
