Travel
TRAFFIC GRIDLOCK: Lagos Inducts 1,017 New LASTMA Officers
…Gov Charges New Recruits To Be The New Face Of LASTMA
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said part of the strategies to realise his administration’s traffic and transportation blueprint is to scale up the capability of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to discharge its mandate.
Improving efficiency of the State-owned traffic management agency, Sanwo-Olu said, is central to the efforts being put forward by his Government to diffuse gridlocks on the roads and reduce travel time for commuters.
The Governor spoke on Wednesday at the passing-out parade of 1,017 newly recruited LASTMA officers who graduated from Induction Course 10 of the agency.
Sanwo-Olu reiterated his obligation towards strengthening the resourcefulness of LASTMA personnel at all level, noting that his administration had doubled welfare packages of LASTMA officials to motivate them for optimised performance.
He said: “The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority was established 20 years ago to tackle traffic congestion and ensure hitch-free flow of traffic on our roads. Since inception, so much has happened and Lagos has grown in leaps and bounds. Human and vehicular population has increased tremendously.
“In managing this growth, activities of LASTMA have been a constant feature on the landscape, adapting and evolving to contain the increasing challenges of traffic management across the State. The leadership of LASTMA has invested hard work and resourcefulness over the years in implementing the founding vision of the agency for the development of Lagos.
“Therefore, I congratulate all the 1,017 graduating cadets for successfully undergoing the rigorous training which has been designed to put them in the physical, mental and psychological state required for the job. Their recruitment must been seen as an opportunity to serve and contribute to the economic development of Lagos, because of the importance of their daily responsibilities to the economic productivity and prosperity of the State.”
If Lagos achieves free flow of traffic and reduction in travel time, Sanwo-Olu said it would translate to increased productivity and better economic output for the State.
The Governor charged the new recruits to accept their responsibilities with passion, and detach themselves from activities that may undermine their commitment to excellence.
Sanwo-Olu reiterated his administration’s policy of zero tolerance for corrupt practices in any form, urging the new officers not to leave room for the public to doubt their honest, integrity and commitment to efficient traffic management.
He said: “Our administration remains intolerant to corrupt practices and harassment of law-abiding residents of the State. As you have been commissioned today as traffic management officers, you have become public servants and you must steer clear of corruption, which is not limited to extortion or financial malfeasance. Indiscipline, abuse of office, or harassment of citizens will be frowned upon, and necessary and decisive action will be taken against any and all defaulters.
“Based on the responsibility you have accepted to do on behalf of the State Government, I want you all to be best crop of traffic officers in history of LASTMA. You have been trained and prepared to be the new face of LASTMA that will help my administration to realise its transportation and traffic management programmes.”
The Governor used the opportunity to reassure residents on the recent restriction of Okada and tricycles in some parts of the State, stressing that the decision was not intended to inflict pain on the people. The policy, he emphasized, was conceived and implemented with the interest, welfare and safety of Lagosians in mind.
General Manager, LASTMA, Mr. Olajide Oduyoye, said Sanwo-Olu made history by becoming first sitting Governor to attend induction of new officers in the history of the agency.
The LASTMA boss charged the new officers to be diligent in the discharge of their responsibility, reminding them that Lagosians expected more from them.
He said: “You are putting on uniforms of respect and dignity, but with large responsibilities for you to deliver. You must work assiduously to ease traffic flow and your conduct must not bring disorderliness at your areas of duty.”
The Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Frederic Oladehinde, said the State’s ability to enforce traffic regulations remained key to building 24-hour economy, adding that the recruitment of the officers would impact directly on productivity in the State.
Hospitality
Nature, Wellness and Culinary Drive 2025 Travel Trends in Africa, according to Mastercard Economics Institute
New Mastercard Economics Institute Travel Trends Report 2025 reveals that purpose in the form of nature-driven travel, wellness escapes and culinary adventures, are among the top drivers of tourism across Africa, SANDRA ANI reports
The Mastercard Economics Institute (MEI) has released its annual Travel Trends 2025 report, revealing the latest consumer spending insights and motivation when it comes to travel.
Cross-border movement is often influenced by the most pressing economic factors of the moment, such as exchange rates and geopolitical tensions. However, these are not the only factors driving consumers’ travel spending decisions, including those in Africa. Personal and purpose-driven factors remain powerful even when economic uncertainty looms.
Building on the resilience of the global travel sector seen last year, the 2025 report highlights how destinations across the African continent are increasingly appealing to tourists and, creating additional opportunities for local markets to develop tourism.
“Africa is emerging as a global leader in purpose-driven travel, where nature, wellness, and culinary experiences are redefining the continent’s tourism landscape. These trends present a powerful opportunity to drive inclusive growth, support local economies, and position Africa as a key player in the future of global tourism,” said Mark Elliot, division president, Africa, Mastercard.
Whether drawn by Namibia’s wellness retreats, South Africa’s wilderness experiences or Morocco’s vibrant culinary scene, travelers are expanding their horizons beyond traditional hotspots.
“Tourism is playing an important role in Africa’s growth story. Travelers are increasingly drawn to the continent’s natural beauty, culinary diversity, and wellness experiences. While economic and geopolitical factors matter, the pursuit of meaningful, purpose-driven travel remains strong. The Mastercard Economics Institute’s report sheds light on how countries are tapping into this trend to attract visitors and boost local economies,” said Khatija Haque, chief economist EEMEA, Mastercard Economics Institute.
By exploring a full range of travel motivations, the report identifies the main themes shaping travel today:
Africa trends:
- Nature-fueled adventures: South Africa and Zambia dominate cross-border spending around national park areas. Spending around South Africa’s major national parks far outpaced that of other countries, with nearly a quarter of the cross-border spending occurring within these zones. Zambia is also highly ranked as an outdoor adventure destination.
- Culinary crossroads: Marrakech ranks highly on the foodie list with its median restaurant hosting tourists from many different countries, often to enjoy meals of tagine and b’stilla. Cape Town is also on the list, with its bobotie dish proving popular with visitors.
- Wellness in the wild: Africa is establishing itself as a global leader in wellness-centered travel as consumers prioritize rejuvenation and self-care. Namibia, South Africa and Botswana are among the top destinations for travelers seeking spa-style and nature-based retreats and immersive eco lodges. Kenya is also ranked among the top 20 destinations for wellness In the Mastercard Wellness Index 2025.
Other global trends:
- Spa, summit and savor: Personal passions and goals motivate travel choices. Adventure-seekers are heading to the Nordics, where Finland’s national parks account for 7.1% of cross-border spending in the country.
- Summer destination draws: The Asia-Pacific region commands the list of trending summer destinations. Flight booking data reveals the top global destinations gaining most momentum for June-September travel, relative to last year. Tokyo is the number one trending spot for summer 2025, followed by Osaka and then Paris.
- Fuelled by fans: Fans travel internationally to see their favorite teams and athletes play. Case in point? During Shohei Ohtani’s World Series debut, spending by Japanese visitors in Los Angeles surged by 91%, six times the broader cross-border boost.
- Money matters: Despite geopolitical tensions and fluctuating prices, the factors that motivate consumers to travel are often more complex than just economic. But currency depreciation can make certain destinations, like Japan, more attractive due to their better value for money.
- Wheeling and dealing closer to home: In general, business travelers favor longer trips within their own regions, driven by hybrid work models and geopolitical uncertainty. However, there are exceptions, with UK businesses spending a growing share of their travel budgets in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Mastercard is dedicated to helping the global tourism sector grow through market analysis and high-frequency, data-driven insights that enhance the travel experience. By empowering destinations and businesses to better understand evolving consumer trends, Mastercard is helping to shape a more connected and resilient future for travel across Africa.
You can view the full “Travel Trends 2025: Purpose-driven journeys” and other reports and insights from the Mastercard Economics Institute can be found here.
The Beer Sectoral Group (BSG) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), is set to launch the 2024 edition of its “Don’t Drink & Drive” campaign.
The two-day event will take place on December 10th and 11th, 2024, targeted at raising awareness on the dangers of drink-driving and ensuring safer roads for all Nigerians.
The campaign will kick off with a media launch at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, on December 10th, where key stakeholders will address the media, highlighting the campaign’s goals, achievements, and the importance of continued collaboration in promoting road safety across Nigeria. The event will feature prominent executives from the BSG, FRSC, and other stakeholders in road safety advocacy.
On 11th December, the campaign will shift to three major motor parks—Ojodu, Ojota, and Oshodi—where drivers and road users will be engaged through an educational rally. During the rally, drivers will be sensitized on the dangers of drinking and driving, with a strong emphasis on responsible driving behavior. In addition, the FRSC will conduct voluntary breathalyzer tests at these locations, underscoring their commitment to fostering safer motoring environments across the country.
The 2024 edition of the “Don’t Drink & Drive” campaign promises to continue its tradition of educating the public on the risks of drinking and driving while providing the necessary tools for the FRSC to execute its duties effectively.
The BSG and the FRSC remain steadfast in their mission to reduce road accidents and make Nigerian roads safer for everyone.
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Matawalle is in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to begin talk with the Secretary General of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), Major Gen. Mohammed Bin Saeed Al-Moghedi.
The talks which began at the IMCTC Headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Monday November 18, 2024 is expected to yield positive results and ideas on how best to approach counter-terrorism in Nigeria.
During the meeting, Dr. Matawalle is expected to talk with other high ranking experts in counter-terrorism fight and logistics management.
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