The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has begun deploying drones across the city in a bid to improve traffic flow, bolster security, and enhance emergency response.
The agency announced the initiative in a statement on Thursday, describing it as a shift from manual traffic control to “predictive, intelligence-driven” management powered by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
According to LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki, the drones will provide real-time aerial surveillance to help officers respond faster to congestion, accidents, and road violations. “This is not just equipment acquisition. It is a strategic transformation that positions Lagos as a leader in digital governance of transport systems,” he said.
Authorities say the drones will operate under strict privacy safeguards and regulatory oversight. They are expected to complement existing traffic enforcement tools, including Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) deployed earlier this year in partnership with Huawei.
The Lagos State Government has invested heavily in technology-driven road safety initiatives. In February, it installed new e-police checkpoints at Alapere, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Allen Avenue, and Nurudeen Olowopopo Road, where cameras now detect speeding, red-light violations, and illegal driving manoeuvres.
Officials say the drone programme will reinforce those measures and promote a more disciplined motoring culture in the congested metropolis. “The goal is to reduce travel time, prevent accidents, and strengthen public safety across Lagos,” Bakare-Oki said.
