Traffic congestion in Lagos remains one of the city’s greatest challenges, with millions of residents enduring daily gridlock. For years, officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have directed traffic in all conditions, managing accidents and attempting to keep order across Africa’s largest city. But this week, the agency admitted that traditional methods are no longer enough.
For the first time, LASTMA has launched drone technology to monitor traffic across Lagos. Officials say the drones will provide a live aerial view of roads, enabling them to detect congestion before it worsens, track accidents in real time, and improve coordination with emergency response teams.
“This initiative is more than just buying equipment – it represents a strategic shift,” said LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki. “The drones will help us cut down travel times, reduce accidents, and enforce a more disciplined driving culture.”
The move marks a major departure from decades of solely ground-based operations. Instead of relying on radio calls or officer updates, LASTMA can now use aerial intelligence to identify hotspots instantly. With live video streaming from the drones, officers will be deployed more quickly to critical areas, reducing delays and improving efficiency.
Beyond congestion management, LASTMA says the drones will also serve as surveillance tools to strengthen security in busy public areas. This dual function reflects a broader policy shift in Lagos, where roads are increasingly seen as both commercial lifelines and security-sensitive zones.
Road safety remains a pressing concern. In 2023, the Federal Road Safety Corps reported over 13,000 road accidents nationwide, with Lagos among the most affected states. Officials argue that even a few minutes saved in response times could prevent fatalities and serious injuries.
The initiative ties into the Lagos State Government’s wider push for a technology-driven transport system. Earlier this year, the state partnered with Huawei to introduce Intelligent Transport System (ITS) sites at major choke points, including Alapere and Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way. These sites use high-definition cameras to monitor traffic flow and detect violations. Together with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and new e-police centres, the state is steadily building an automated traffic enforcement network.
However, the rollout is not without controversy. Globally, the use of drones in public spaces has sparked concerns about surveillance, privacy, and potential misuse. LASTMA has promised that its drone operations will comply with ethical guidelines and regulatory safeguards. Public trust will be crucial, particularly in a city where residents are wary of overbearing enforcement measures.
For Lagosians, the adoption of drone technology is the latest attempt to solve the city’s notorious traffic problem. While some commuters may welcome the innovation, others remain sceptical, questioning whether it will deliver long-term results or become yet another abandoned pilot project.
What is clear is that the future of traffic management in Lagos is shifting from the ground to the skies – with drones set to play a defining role in how Africa’s largest city tackles congestion and road safety.
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