LASTMA Launches Drone Operations to Revolutionise Traffic Management and Security in Lagos

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has officially deployed state-of-the-art Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to enhance traffic management, strengthen security surveillance, and promote public safety across the state.

Speaking during the announcement on Thursday in Lagos, LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the initiative as a turning point in the agency’s operations. He noted that the deployment marks a shift from traditional analogue practices to a modern, intelligence-driven approach to urban mobility.

“This initiative accentuates the Sanwo-Olu administration’s steadfast dedication to leveraging innovation in pursuit of sustainable traffic solutions, heightened safety, and operational excellence,” Bakare-Oki said.

He explained that the UAVs, equipped with high-definition cameras and aerial reconnaissance capabilities, will give LASTMA officers a clear real-time view of traffic situations across the metropolis. This, he added, will enable proactive management of congestion, swifter interventions during road crashes, and more efficient coordination of emergency responses.

According to Bakare-Oki, the deployment aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ Agenda, which emphasises technology and innovation as key drivers of a safer, smarter, and more liveable Lagos.

He also assured residents that the new system would be implemented under strict privacy safeguards, ethical standards, and regulatory compliance to maintain public confidence in the agency’s transparency and integrity.

“Through aerial oversight and predictive traffic control, these drones will transform how we manage road safety, reduce accidents, and preserve lives and property,” he added.

Bakare-Oki said the drones would complement LASTMA’s existing enforcement tools and resources, including its toll-free hotline — 080000527862 — and ground patrol teams. He emphasised that the initiative would not only improve traffic flow and reduce travel times but also foster a more disciplined motoring culture across Lagos.

Transportation analysts have welcomed the development, noting that deploying UAVs could help tackle persistent gridlock, especially in high-traffic corridors such as the Third Mainland Bridge, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, and Lekki-Epe axis.

With this milestone, LASTMA becomes one of the first state traffic agencies in Nigeria to integrate drone technology into daily operations, positioning Lagos as a leader in innovative traffic solutions in West Africa.