Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has launched the use of drones to support traffic monitoring and security surveillance across Lagos, marking a shift from manual enforcement to digital intelligence tools.

Speaking at the inauguration of the programme, General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the new system would provide real-time aerial coverage of major roads, enabling faster interventions in congestion and emergencies.

“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, augment emergency response coordination, bolster security frameworks and the cultivation of a more disciplined motoring culture,” Bakare-Oki said.

He explained that the drones would be used for aerial reconnaissance and high-definition monitoring, allowing officers to act proactively rather than relying only on physical patrols.

According to him, the deployment will operate under strict regulatory and ethical standards to ensure public trust and compliance with privacy safeguards. “We want to assure the public that this 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,” he added.

The agency said the technology would also support quicker response to road accidents and emergencies, working alongside its existing toll-free hotline.

Bakare-Oki noted that the drone initiative was consistent with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ agenda, which emphasises technology and innovation as tools for improving urban management and safety in Lagos.

LASTMA stated that the programme is part of efforts to reduce travel time, prevent accidents, and improve road discipline across the state.