LASTMA Deploys Advanced Digital Technology To Boost Emergency Response
The general manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Olalekan Bakare-Oki, has stated that the strategic deployment of advanced digital technology has significantly transformed the agency’s emergency response operations and strengthened the protection of lives on roads across Lagos.
Bakare-Oki stated this during a comprehensive operational review weekend, noting that the integration of modern technological tools has drastically improved incident detection, coordination and response efficiency within the authority.
He said the adoption of surveillance drones, Traffic Management System (TMS) cameras, GPS-enabled patrol vehicles, intelligent communication platforms, body-worn cameras, toll-free emergency lines, automated incident-detection systems and a centralised command-and-control centre represents a major institutional transformation for LASTMA.
He stated that the deployment of these digital systems has eliminated several operational challenges previously caused by delayed reporting and logistical constraints. With real-time monitoring capabilities now in place, traffic incidents are instantly detected, digitally verified and rapidly communicated to nearby patrol and rescue units.
“Our commitment to technological modernization is anchored on the imperative to safeguard human life,” Bakare-Oki stated. “Every minute saved in an emergency response is invaluable. These intelligent systems now empower our operatives to respond with unprecedented speed, accuracy and professionalism,” he stated.
The LASTMA boss further revealed that the agency’s Rescue Team, Monitoring and Surveillance Unit, Comptrollers, Commanders and Zonal Heads are now equipped with mobile data terminals and integrated communication tools linked directly to the central command centre.
This digital coordination, he noted, allows for faster traffic rerouting, prompt collaboration with medical and security agencies and swift clearance of accident scenes to prevent secondary crashes and prolonged congestion.
Bakare-Oki added that the introduction of predictive data analytics has strengthened proactive traffic management across the state. By analyzing congestion patterns and identifying high-risk accident corridors, the agency can strategically deploy personnel ahead of peak traffic periods, thereby preventing disruptions and reducing casualty rates.
He described the government’s investment in digital infrastructure as part of a broader vision to build a smart and resilient megacity driven by innovation and public safety.
Beyond emergency response improvements, the technological upgrade has also enhanced enforcement transparency and documentation accuracy. Digital reporting platforms now provide comprehensive incident records to support policy evaluation and operational refinement.
Reaffirming LASTMA’s commitment to public safety, Bakare-Oki stated that rapid emergency response not only reduces injuries and fatalities but also strengthens public confidence in state institutions.
