3367: How LASTMA’s New Toll-Free Hotline Aims to De-Congest Kosofe’s Gridlock, Boost Officer Accountability
'Lekan Lawal
Driving through Kosofe Local Government Area has long required a unique blend of patience and survival instincts. From the perennial bottleneck at the Oworonshoki axis to the heavy truck traffic crawling along the Ikorodu Road corridor, a single broken-down vehicle or flash flood can instantly paralyse local commerce.
In a massive step toward easing this daily commuter headache, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has officially launched its new 3367 toll-free short-code hotline. Designed to replace old, cumbersome 11-digit numbers, this dedicated channel gives Kosofe residents a direct line to traffic emergency responders and authority decision-makers.
For a community currently undergoing rapid urban regeneration, the timing could not be more critical.
The standout feature of the 3367 shortcode is that it is 100% free to call. Callers do not need active airtime or data to reach the LASTMA emergency control centre. The line is fully supported across Nigeria’s major networks, including MTN, Glo, and 9mobile (T2).
To ensure that the grassroots structure of Kosofe is fully carried along, the call centre is completely multilingual. Operators are trained to handle emergency reports seamlessly in English, Yoruba, and Pidgin English, removing communication barriers for local market traders, artisans, and commercial bus drivers alike.
Kosofe serves as one of the major gateways in and out of mainland Lagos. Daily choke points like the Mile 12 market stretch, Ketu bus stop, and the arterial networks connecting Anthony Village and Ojota frequently experience severe traffic disruptions.
Through the 3367 hotline, residents can now instantly report:
- Stalled and Broken-Down Vehicles: Stranded fuel tankers or broken-down containers can be flagged before they cause miles of tailbacks.
- Flash Flooding Obstructions: Given the recent rainy season challenges affecting low-lying parts of Kosofe, motorists can report flooded, impassable routes in real-time.
- Traffic Accidents: Dispatchers can immediately deploy emergency towing trucks and route managers to crash sites.
Beyond clearing gridlock, the 3367 hotline introduces a powerful mechanism for transparency. Over the years, the relationship between motorists and traffic enforcement officials in Lagos has occasionally been fraught with tension.
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, emphasized that the hotline doubles as a whistleblowing and feedback portal. Kosofe residents are encouraged to use the number to report instances of extortion, official misconduct, or high-handedness by personnel on duty. Conversely, it also serves as a channel to commend officers who display exceptional integrity and dedication on Kosofe roads.
As Kosofe positions itself for sustainable development and improved infrastructure, local traffic management must keep pace with technology. The 3367 hotline gives the community a voice in shaping the state of its roads.
The next time you find yourself stuck at a standstill near Oworonshoki, or you spot a dangerous obstruction on the highway, do not just sit in frustration—dial 3367. Your call could clear the road for thousands of your neighbours.