The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has begun deploying Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, to strengthen traffic monitoring, enhance security surveillance, and improve public safety across the state.
The agency’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Lagos. He explained that the initiative marks a significant shift from traditional analogue methods to advanced digital intelligence, aligning with the state government’s broader vision for innovation-driven governance.
According to Bakare-Oki, the drones will provide LASTMA with aerial reconnaissance and real-time, high-definition monitoring, allowing the agency to take proactive measures in traffic control. “This milestone represents a turning point in Lagos’ traffic management ecosystem, moving us from reactive enforcement to predictive, intelligence-led operations,” he said.
He noted that the new system would enable quicker interventions during gridlocks, improve coordination during emergencies, boost road safety, and promote a more disciplined motoring culture.
Assuring residents of transparency, Bakare-Oki emphasized that the deployment of UAVs would be guided by strict privacy safeguards, ethical standards, and regulatory compliance. “Our focus is to innovate responsibly while protecting the trust of Lagosians,” he added.
The LASTMA chief also highlighted that the technology would complement the authority’s rapid response to accidents, traffic disruptions, and other emergencies. This, he said, reinforces the state’s THEMES+ Agenda, which prioritizes technology and innovation as key drivers of a safer, smarter, and more livable Lagos.
He further reminded the public of LASTMA’s toll-free emergency hotline — 080000527862 — which remains available for reporting traffic incidents and emergencies.
