Working Lives – LASTMA Officials
One of the standout features of Lagos is the men and women in yellow-shirt and wine-trouser uniforms, controlling the ever heavy flow of traffic in the city, both under the sun and in the rain. Like many jobs, there are ins and outs with being an officer of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), and as with everybody, they too have interesting personal journeys and stories to tell. But far more interesting is the many routes one can go through to joining the agency, which we explore in this weekend’s Working Lives. Enjoy the read!
Working Lives: The LASTMA Officer Who Was Dropped Inside By Mummy’s Parachute
There was one time like that when some set of hoodlums wanted to beat just because I stopped a danfo bus that was passing the BRT lane. I was the only one on duty; my colleagues were yet to come so it was easy for them to bully me. I hated that day.”
Where are you from?
I am from Ogun State. From one of the Ijebus.
Please, tell us about your education?
I went to a Community High School for my secondary school education before attending a State Polytechnic to study Science Lab Technology. I graduated from there in 2017.
Please, tell us about your family?
My daddy breeds pigs and my mother works with the Ministry of Health.
Where do you live?
I still live with my parents in their house in Onipanu.
How did you start working as a LASTMA officer?
Connection. Let me put it that way. You know I said my mom is a teacher in a public secondary school, so she has friends up there that were able to press buttons for me. And that was how I got the job. There wasn’t anything to do after school.
How does the process work? I mean getting you in.
I do not think I am the best person to ask this question from because I didn’t really do anything by myself. The connection did everything for me. I was just invited for screening and orientation
Hmmm…
Haha. You are making me feel guilty with this look on your face. I know, I know but it’s just the situation of Nigeria. You need someone up there for everything literally. I don’t like that system too.
Did you go through some sort of training and for how long?
Yes, I went through a series of training on traffic management and the likes. For about four weeks.
Do LASTMA officers get prosecuted for misconduct?
Yes, these days the agency doesn’t joke with any form of misconduct. Two years ago, people could get away with anything but not anymore. The Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has asked Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) officers to be civil in their engagement with motorists, especially during enforcement, and that we shouldn’t collect bribes based on the series of reports that have been getting to him.
Some LASTMA officers prefer granting offenders a “discount” which they pocket. How much do they usually accept?
I have seen my Ogas collect N20,000 with my korokoro eyes. I was given N2,500. I get this kind of “stipend” about three times a week.
But you just said things have changed, people get sanctioned now, has this new order not affected taking money from offenders?
Even with the fact that things have changed, the collection of bribes is now minimal, you don’t see people collecting often or even motorist offering you bribes. But this still doesn’t mean some of us aren’t still collecting, they just do it lowkey now. Most people even have someone that is not in uniform they send to collect the money just so they won’t be caught.
Also Read: Working Lives: The Policeman Who Plans to Go into Public Relations
Is there some sort of ranking in the job and how does it work?
Yes of course. There are 14 area commands and 35 zones across Lagos state. Every area commander reports to the Assistant Director of Operations. Each command is headed by an Area Commander and the zones by Zonal Heads. Each Zonal Head designs the best operational tactics or system most suitable for his environment to operate and administer men, materials, and traffic management within his domain. But in accordance with standard official regulations of the agency. And also in consultation with the Area Commander.
Have you had any funny experiences on the job?
There was one time like that when some set of hoodlums wanted to beat just because I stopped a danfo bus that was passing the BRT lane. I was the only one on duty; my colleagues were yet to come so it was easy for them to bully me. I hated that day.
How much do you earn?
I earn N45,000 monthly.
Plus Around N6,000 Stipend Every Week?
Yes, plus the N6,000 weekly stipends which sum it all up to N69,000 monthly.
What were you doing before you started working as a LASTMA officer?
I was only assisting my dad with his pigs.
How many hours do you work in a day?
I resume by 6:30 am and close by 8 o’clock. I sometimes close early but this is not certain.
What’s your best day like on the job?
I don’t think there is a particular day I have as a best day. I try to be always happy on the job.
How much do you spend in a day?
I spend just N400 daily. I eat before I leave the house most times.
What other things do you spend money on?
My siblings’ school fees. It’s not like I foot the whole bill though, but I assist my parents with it. And then I spend money on some basic needs for the house like gas, DSTV subscription and the like.
Also Read: Working Lives: The Vendor Who Met and Married Saki Townsman in Mushin
For how long have you been on the job?
I have been in the job for two years now.
Do you have savings and how much do you save in a month?
Yes, I try as much as possible to save N5,000 monthly.
Are you married?
No, I am not married yet. But I am looking forward to it. Maybe in two years.
Do you have plans to venture into something else apart from being a LASTMA officer?
Apart from just hoping to get a job in my field of study, nothing else. I really want to practice what I studied in school.
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