The General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Olalekan Bakare-Oki, has said the strategic deployment of modern digital technologies has strengthened the agency’s emergency response capacity and enhanced safety on Lagos roads.

Speaking during an operational review, Bakare-Oki noted that the integration of surveillance drones, Traffic Management System cameras, GPS-enabled patrol vehicles, intelligent communication platforms, body cameras, toll-free hotlines, automated incident-detection tools and a central command-and-control centre has transformed the agency’s operations. He said the upgrades have reduced response times, improved coordination and increased overall efficiency.

He explained that delays previously caused by slow incident reporting and logistical challenges have been largely eliminated through real-time monitoring and data synchronisation. Traffic incidents are now detected promptly, verified through digital feeds and relayed to the nearest patrol or rescue team for swift intervention.

“Our drive for technological modernisation is fundamentally about saving lives,” Bakare-Oki said. “

“Every minute matters in an emergency, and these intelligent systems have empowered our officers to act with greater speed, accuracy and professionalism.”

He added that rescue teams, surveillance units and field commanders now operate with mobile data terminals linked directly to the central command centre. This enables immediate traffic diversion, coordination with medical and security agencies, and the rapid clearance of accident scenes, thereby reducing the risk of secondary crashes and prolonged congestion.

Bakare-Oki also highlighted the use of predictive data analytics to strengthen proactive traffic management. By identifying congestion patterns, high-risk corridors and accident hotspots, the authority can deploy personnel ahead of peak periods to reduce casualties and stabilise traffic flow.

He said the state government’s investment in digital infrastructure aligns with its vision of building a smart and resilient megacity, describing the initiative as a demonstration of its commitment to public safety and institutional development.

Beyond emergency response, he noted that the upgrades have improved documentation, enforcement transparency and data-driven policymaking, with digital reporting systems providing detailed records to support operational reviews and continuous improvement.

Reaffirming that safety and efficient traffic management remain LASTMA’s priorities, Bakare-Oki said faster response times would strengthen public confidence.

“As we build on these gains, our focus remains firm. We will continue to invest in technology, capacity building and inter-agency collaboration to ensure safer and more efficient roads across Lagos,” he said.

LASTMA urged motorists and other road users to cooperate with its officers, comply with traffic regulations and support ongoing modernisation efforts aimed at improving safety and mobility in the state.