By Femi Osinusi
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has introduced drones to boost traffic control and enhance safety across the state.
Announcing the development on Thursday in Lagos, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the deployment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) marks a significant shift from the traditional methods of traffic monitoring to more advanced digital systems.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the state government’s commitment to innovation and sustainable urban mobility. “Through aerial reconnaissance and high-definition monitoring capabilities, the UAVs will empower LASTMA to be proactive in traffic management and control across the state,” Bakare-Oki explained.
He described the move as a milestone in Lagos’ traffic management ecosystem, enabling the agency to shift from reactive enforcement to predictive, intelligence-driven operations. The drones, he noted, would provide real-time aerial oversight, allowing faster interventions in congestion situations, improving emergency response, strengthening security frameworks, and promoting a more disciplined driving culture.
The LASTMA boss assured residents that the technology would be deployed with strict regard for privacy and ethical standards. He emphasized that the agency would work in line with regulatory requirements to ensure public trust in the system.
Bakare-Oki added that the innovation is aimed at reducing travel times, curbing accidents, and safeguarding lives and property across Lagos. He also tied the deployment to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ agenda, which places technology and innovation at the heart of efforts to build a safer, smarter, and more livable Lagos.
The introduction of drones comes as Lagos continues to grapple with chronic traffic congestion, and authorities are hopeful that the new technology will mark a turning point in managing the city’s growing transportation challenges.
