The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has unveiled a new initiative to strengthen traffic management and enhance security across the state with the deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones).
According to the agency, the technology will be used to provide real-time aerial coverage of major highways, intersections, and traffic-prone corridors. The drones will enable LASTMA to monitor vehicular movement more effectively, identify congestion hotspots quickly, and respond faster to accidents or breakdowns.
Officials explained that beyond easing traffic flow, the drones would also serve as a tool for security surveillance, helping to detect criminal activity on roads and support law enforcement agencies when necessary.
General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the adoption of drone technology forms part of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration’s drive to modernize traffic management in Lagos and leverage innovation to tackle the state’s mobility challenges.
“With drones, we will be able to see situations as they unfold in real time and deploy our officers to respond promptly. This is a game-changer in traffic control and road safety,” Bakare-Oki stated.
The agency added that the drones will complement existing traffic control tools such as cameras, patrol vehicles, and command-and-control centers, creating an integrated traffic management system.
Transportation experts have welcomed the move, describing it as a step toward building a smarter, more efficient Lagos. However, they also called for proper training of personnel, strict maintenance of the drones, and safeguards to address privacy and data security concerns.
