25th October, 2023
By Bolade Badmus
In today’s world of dynamism, meeting the yearnings of the populace through innovative thinking and deployment of appropriate technologies is inevitable. Both private and public institutions must continually reinvent, re-strategize and innovate new ways of doing things to meet the demands of present-day society. Lagos Traffic Radio is one of the Agencies of the Lagos State Government that has continuously leveraged technological advancement in providing timely, accurate traffic information to the teeming residents of the State.
John Chambers, the former executive chairman and CEO of Cisco Systems, perfectly captured the importance of digital transformation when he said that “At least 40% of all businesses will die in the next 10 years… if they don’t figure out how to change their entire company to accommodate new technologies.” This further attests to the importance of technology, which is one of the areas of focus under the T.H.E.M.E.S PLUS Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
Tapping into this great vision, Lagos Traffic Radio has also spread its tentacles to extend its services to capture all the Developmental Agenda Programmes of Government by embracing technology in its information dissemination to avail residents of all the projects and novel ideas of the Sanwo-Olu administration.
However, quality traffic information is being disseminated to commuters using various modes of transportation, including road, waterways and railway. The Station in no small measure also assists the government in building the confidence of commuters towards embracing all the modes of transportation, especially the waterways since 40% of the state is covered by water bodies and wetland.
Additionally, Lagos Traffic Radio through its rich Programme content, performs lots of educational functions, equipping vehicle owners, commuters and the public with handy information needed for daily survival, while its social media platforms target youth inclusion, feedback and public participation.
As a matter of fact, the digital transformation of Lagos Traffic Radio is not just about technology itself but about people, the sequential transformation being witnessed by the Agency is largely made possible through the visionary leadership of management of the Station headed by Tayo Akanle, the General Manager of the station who has been
consistently improving on ways of disseminating traffic information since 2018 when he became the head of the Radio Station.
Akanle innovatively introduced traffic updates on social media via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and across some other channels to provide real time traffic information for the station’s online audience, giving them new experience and a wider audience for government information as well.
Since its establishment, Lagos State Traffic Radio has evolved through different stages by leveraging technology to improve its broadcasting functions. Presently, the Station utilizes digital platforms to deliver traffic reports, weather updates, and emergency alerts, ensuring that listeners stay informed and always prepared.
Basking in the euphoria of this innovation and achievements, Lagos Traffic Radio which started as a traffic information dissemination platform that relies solely on updates from officials Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, in the last eleven years crossed several hurdles of easing commuting in Lagos State through the
collation of traffic updates, also introduced “Motorbike Live Reports” launched in September 15, 2020, to totally change the narrative in traffic reporting, as incidents and impediments induced traffic logjam were timely and accurately reported, to guide commuters and other road users.
Another transformation was the introduction of 15-minute traffic update which was reviewed to 10-minute traffic update in 2019 due to current realities of increase influx of vehicular movements in the state. The expansion of the station’s traffic information dissemination to those traveling by air, (Flight Schedule), waterways, rail and goods landing at the Ports, (Shipping Position) is not only a commendable initiative, but it is also geared towards the attainment of the T pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda which stands for Traffic Management and Transportation
Some of the key factors that set Lagos Traffic Radio apart are its commitment and intentional steps taken to provide real-time traffic updates. Through its dedicated team and advanced technology, the radio station offers accurate and up-to-date information on road conditions, accidents, and traffic congestion. This information is invaluable for commuters, as it allows them to plan their journeys more effectively and avoid heavily congested areas.
The most recent in the digital transformation process of Lagos Traffic Radio, was the recently launched Live Camera Update Project, LCU. Expectedly, this could not have been possible without the collaboration of the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.
More so, the initiative has its origin from the Lagos State Smart City project, which is designed to achieve multi-level integration leveraging digital and communication technologies to optimize city functions and drive economic growth, while also improving the well-being of individuals living in the city.
Furthermore, the smart city project is based on 3,000 kilometers fiber metro network cables and broadband infrastructure for the first phase, relying on robust ICT infrastructure, including high-speed internet, WiFi, and mobile connectivity to enable data exchange and communication between various city systems and devices.
As part of the Smart city initiative cameras are installed at various highways and roads in the state as this will enable accurate collection and analysis of data towards making informed decisions that will be of benefits to Lagosians. It is through leveraging the technology of these installed cameras that the Station derives its Live Camera Update
project.
This initiative involves tapping into the strategic placement of cameras on major roads and intersections across the metropolis through which the radio station gets live visual feeds directly into the studio. These feeds are in turn translated into real time and seamless traffic information to commuters and motorists in the State.
The LCU gives the station a bird’s-eye view of the roads, enabling the transmission of real time traffic information that allows commuters to make informed decisions about their routes. Whether it’s spotting a bottleneck or identifying an alternative route, the Live Camera Update Project empowers commuters to navigate the city more efficiently.
Arguably, the ‘Live Camera Update Project’ will refine and enhance the Station’s traffic update delivery and travel advisories to Lagosians by solving the challenges of Latency of updates, i.e., delay in getting updates to Commuters and motorists, reducing inaccurate description traffic situations by stakeholders, and the ever-dynamic traffic situation around the metropolis. This is indeed an innovative solution to these challenges.
Furthermore, the availability of alternative routes through the Live Camera Update feature helps in alleviating congestion. By dispersing traffic across different roads, the overall flow of vehicles improves, resulting in shorter travel times and reduced frustration for commuters.
This will not only save time but will also enhance productivity, as individuals can arrive at their destinations more efficiently. The LCU initiative will complement other means of engaging the station’s listeners by encouraging active user participation through various channels, including social media platforms and dedicated mobile apps.
Commuters can share their own observations, report incidents, and seek advice from fellow travelers. This interactive element fosters a sense of community and collective problem-solving, making the daily commuting a shared experience.
The digital transformation in radio broadcasting being exemplified by Lagos State Traffic Radio, is essential to adapt to the changing media landscape as it will enhance accessibility, interactivity, and the overall listening experience for the radio audience. By embracing the various digital platforms made possible for radio listeners through the
deployment of technologies, radio stations can continue to connect with their audience and provide valuable content in innovative ways. With the deployment of LCU by station, the initiative will transform the commuting experience for Lagosians. Through real-time visuals, interactive engagement, and a focus on safety and efficiency, this feature will become an indispensable tool for navigating the city’s busy roads. As technology continues to evolve, Lagos Traffic Radio remains committed to providing commuters with the most accurate and up-to date information, ensuring smoother and more enjoyable journeys for all.
At the inauguration of the project recently, Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu represented by the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi said that the Live Camera Update Infrastructure was acquired to boost the capacity of the station to provide timely, accurate and dynamic traffic reportage and travel advisory to its teeming listeners. He further stated that the great significance of the project is a testament to the administration’s resolve to deploy state-ofart technology to drive effectiveness and efficiency in government operations and delivery.
Mr. Governor said the initiative is in line with the smart city project of which the state has achieved significant improvements in addressing operational challenges in several sectors including traffic management, Healthcare service, land management, physical urban planning, law enforcement etc.
He said, “The Lagos Traffic Radio Camera Infrastructure for live feeds being commissioned today is, therefore, an addition to the pool of technology driven initiatives, adopted by this administration to enhance free flow of traffic in the metropolis”.
The impact of Lagos Traffic Radio extends beyond just providing information. By alerting drivers of potential hazards and congested areas, the Radio Station plays a vital role in enhancing road safety.
Commuters can adjust their driving behavior, accordingly, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring a safer journey for everyone on the road. Looking ahead, Lagos Traffic Radio is continuously evolving to meet the needs of commuters. The Radio Station in future may be exploring the integration of artificial intelligence to analyze traffic patterns and predict potential bottlenecks. This proactive approach will further optimize traffic management and help commuters navigate the city with ease.
-Bolade Badmus, a Public Analyst writes from Lagos