BY Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
The General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, has affirmed that the strategic deployment of advanced digital technologies has significantly enhanced the Authority’s emergency response capacity and strengthened the safety of lives on Lagos roads.
Speaking during a comprehensive operational review over the weekend, Bakare-Oki stated that the integration of cutting-edge tools into LASTMA’s traffic management framework has transformed emergency interventions across Lagos State. According to him, response timelines have been considerably shortened, leading to faster rescue operations and improved preservation of lives during road accidents and related emergencies.
He described the introduction of surveillance drones, Traffic Management System (TMS) cameras, GPS-enabled patrol vehicles and troopers, intelligent communication systems, body-worn cameras, a toll-free hotline, automated incident-detection platforms, and a centralised command-and-control hub as a defining milestone in the Authority’s institutional development. The digital infrastructure, he noted, has ushered in a new era of operational efficiency in incident coordination and traffic regulation.
Bakare-Oki explained that previous operational challenges—often marked by delayed incident reporting and logistical constraints—have been largely eliminated through real-time technological synchronisation. Traffic incidents are now detected instantly, verified through live digital feeds, and relayed promptly to the nearest patrol or rescue unit. This streamlined system has drastically reduced response times and improved field deployment strategies.
“Our commitment to technological modernisation is anchored on the imperative to safeguard human life,” he said. “Every minute saved in emergency response is invaluable. These intelligent systems have empowered our operatives to respond with unprecedented speed, precision, and professionalism.”
He further disclosed that LASTMA’s Rescue Team, Monitoring and Surveillance Unit, Comptrollers, Commanders, and Zonal Heads now operate with mobile data terminals and integrated communication devices linked directly to the central command centre. This connectivity ensures swift traffic rerouting, seamless coordination with medical and security agencies, and rapid clearance of accident scenes—preventing secondary crashes and reducing congestion.
The General Manager added that predictive data analytics has strengthened proactive traffic management across the state. By identifying congestion patterns, high-risk corridors, and accident-prone locations, LASTMA is now able to strategically deploy personnel ahead of peak traffic periods, enabling pre-emptive interventions before situations escalate. This proactive approach, he said, has contributed to a reduction in casualties and improved traffic stability in densely populated areas.
Bakare-Oki emphasised that the state government’s investment in modern digital infrastructure aligns with its broader vision of building a smart, resilient, and globally competitive megacity. He described the initiative as a clear demonstration of the administration’s commitment to institutional strengthening, public safety, and infrastructural excellence.
Beyond improving emergency response, the digital transformation has enhanced enforcement transparency, documentation accuracy, and evidence-based policy formulation. Comprehensive digital reporting platforms now provide reliable archival records of traffic incidents, supporting continuous operational improvement.
Reaffirming that traffic management and the protection of human life remain central to LASTMA’s mandate, the General Manager noted that faster emergency interventions not only reduce injuries and fatalities but also strengthen public confidence in government institutions.
“As we consolidate these gains, our resolve remains unwavering,” he stated. “We will continue to invest in technological innovation, capacity development, and inter-agency collaboration to ensure Lagos roads remain safer, more orderly, and fully responsive to emergencies.”
The Authority therefore reassures motorists and residents of its steadfast commitment to protecting commuters and sustaining seamless urban mobility. Road users are urged to cooperate with traffic officials, comply strictly with traffic regulations, and support ongoing modernisation efforts aimed at preserving lives and enhancing transportation efficiency across the state.
