Weekday traffic in Lagos is relentlessly unpredictable, clogging roads across the city. For years, officers from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have worked in all weather, directing “danfos” and clearing minor accidents to maintain order for over 20 million residents. This week, however, LASTMA acknowledged that its traditional methods are no longer sufficient.
In a first for the agency, LASTMA is deploying drones over Lagos. Officials say these drones will give the agency a real-time, aerial view of the roads. This new perspective will allow them to identify congestion points before they escalate into full-scale gridlock, track accidents as they happen, and better support emergency response teams.
LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki said that the initiative was more than just buying equipment and that it was a strategic shift. He added that the drones would help them cut down travel times, reduce accidents, and enforce a more disciplined driving culture.
Shifting Traffic Management to the Skies
This initiative fundamentally changes LASTMA’s approach, breaking from decades of exclusively ground-based traffic control. Instead of waiting for radio calls or officer reports, LASTMA will now use aerial intelligence. With drones streaming live video, the agency can intervene faster and deploy officers to critical locations.
This new strategy also aims to improve safety. Lagos roads are not just congested; they are dangerous. In 2023, the Federal Road Safety Corps reported over 13,000 road accidents nationwide, with Lagos being one of the most affected states. For a city in constant motion, reducing emergency response times by even a few minutes could save lives.
Dual Roles: Traffic and Security
The drones’ purpose extends beyond managing traffic congestion. LASTMA confirms they will also serve as surveillance tools to strengthen security in busy areas. This dual function reflects a significant shift in Lagos’ transport policy, which now treats roads not only as commercial arteries but also as potential security risks.
This initiative aligns with the state government’s broader plan to build a tech-driven system. Earlier this year, Lagos partnered with Huawei to launch Intelligent Transport System (ITS) sites at key choke points like Alapere and Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way.
These sites use high-definition cameras for real-time monitoring of speed and traffic violations. When combined with the growing network of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and new e-police sites, these technologies reveal a clear goal: Lagos intends to use technology to automate traffic law enforcement.
Privacy Concerns
Still, not everyone will be cheering. Around the world, drones in public spaces raise questions about privacy and misuse. LASTMA insists that its deployment will follow strict ethical rules and regulatory safeguards. Trust will matter: a city already weary of heavy-handed enforcement may not take kindly to drones hovering overhead unless they see clear benefits.
For Lagosians, the drone rollout is another experiment in the endless battle against traffic. Some will welcome it, others will shrug, and a few will wonder if the technology will really stick or end up as another abandoned pilot project. But for now, the message is clear: the future of traffic control in Africa’s largest city isn’t just on the ground anymore but in the skies.
