The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has launched the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, to monitor and control traffic across the metropolis.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, announced the development in Lagos, describing it as a major leap from traditional analog methods to advanced digital intelligence. He said the innovation aligns with the vision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to harness technology for sustainable urban mobility, safety, and operational excellence.
According to Bakare-Oki, the drones will provide real-time aerial surveillance, enabling LASTMA to take swift action in decongesting roads, preventing accidents, and responding faster to emergencies. He noted that the introduction of UAVs represents a turning point in Lagos traffic management, shifting operations from reactive enforcement to intelligence-driven predictions and proactive control.
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He explained that with high-definition monitoring, the drones will improve coordination during emergencies, reinforce security, and promote a more disciplined driving culture. He reassured Lagos residents that the operations would strictly adhere to privacy safeguards, ethical standards, and regulatory compliance to maintain public trust.
“The authority is determined to reduce travel times, curb traffic mishaps, and save lives across Lagos,” Bakare-Oki stated, adding that the initiative is a testament to Governor Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ Agenda, which prioritizes technology and innovation in building a safer and smarter city.
The LASTMA boss emphasized that the drones will complement the authority’s rapid response to accidents and other traffic-related incidents, working alongside the existing LASTMA toll-free hotline.
With this deployment, Lagos has become the first Nigerian state to fully integrate drone technology into traffic management, signaling a new era of smarter mobility and urban security.
