The Lagos State traffic management authority has adopted the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, widely known as drones, as a new technology approach towards driving the effective management of traffic and security operations across the state.
A statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, shared on its official X handle on Thursday stated that the new operation is the commencement of its transition from traditional analogue methodologies to an era of advanced digital intelligence, signalled by the use of drones, to enhance traffic management, strengthen security surveillance, and reinforce public safety across the Lagos metropolis.
The statement revealed that the initiative harmonised with the vision of the Lagos State Government, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu steadfast dedication to leveraging technical innovations in the pursuit of sustainable urban mobility.
The statement reads, “In a decisive leap towards technological advancement, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has officially commenced its transition from traditional analog methodologies to an era of advanced digital intelligence, signaled by the deployment of state-of-the-art Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), widely known as drones, to enhance traffic management, strengthen security surveillance, and reinforce public safety across the Lagos metropolis.
“This trailblazing initiative, harmonised with the visionary mandate of the Lagos State Government under the distinguished leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, accentuates the administration’s steadfast dedication to leveraging innovation in the pursuit of sustainable urban mobility, heightened safety, and operational excellence.”
According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, affirmed that the deployment of drones signifies a watershed moment in Lagos’ traffic management ecosystem, seamlessly elevating the Authority from conventional reactive enforcement to predictive, intelligence-driven operations.
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He stated, “This transition transcends the mere acquisition of equipment; it embodies a strategic reformation that positions LASTMA at the forefront of digital governance in traffic management. These drones will provide real-time aerial oversight, enabling swifter interventions, improved safety outcomes, argument emergency response coordination, bolster security frameworks and the cultivation of a more disciplined motoring culture.”
The statement also stated that Bakare-Oki further reassured the public that the deployment shall be conducted under stringent adherence to privacy safeguards, ethical standards, and regulatory compliance, thereby reinforcing public trust in the system’s transparency and integrity.
The Authority reaffirmed its unwavering resolve to continuously innovate in traffic management, reduce travel times, curtail road traffic mishaps, and preserve lives and property throughout Lagos State.
According to Bakare-Oki, “This milestone stands as yet another resounding testament to the THEMES+ Agenda of Governor Sanwo-Olu, wherein technology and innovation serve as indispensable drivers of a safer, smarter, and more habitable Lagos.”
The statement concluded that he further maintained that the modern technological intervention would complement LASTMA’s prompt responsiveness to emergencies, accidents, and other traffic-related contingencies, in addition to the existing LASTMA Toll-Free Hotline: 080000527862.
