Unwritten Rules of Flying a Drone in Lagos: 9 Tips for Safer Lagos Aerial Photography

Aerial drone view at sunset of Old Federal Secretariat Complex Ikoyi

Unwritten Rules of Flying a Drone in Lagos: 9 Tips for Safer Lagos Aerial Photography

Flying drones in Nigeria especially in Lagos is an art and a survival skill.

Beyond knowing your drone’s controls, you must master the unwritten rules of the city’s streets and skies to capture stunning Lagos aerial photography without incident.

Whether you’re a professional filmmaker, content creator, or hobbyist, follow these 9 essential tips to keep your drone safe and to get it home in one piece!

1: Never Launch on the Street

Don’t EVER take off from a public street.

Why? Street hooligans may confront, harass, or extort you and you could lose your drone entirely.

Tip: Always choose secure, private launch spots.

2: Take Off from Inside a Property

Always launch from inside your client’s site, a secured rooftop, or a trusted friend’s property near your target location.This minimizes unwanted attention and improves safety.

3: Watch for Birds of Prey

Keep your eyes glued to your drone! Lagos skies are home to territorial hawks and crows, especially near tall buildings. They’re known to attack unfamiliar flying objects, drones included.

4: Carry “Community Love” Money

Many drone pilots advise carrying small cash to “show love” to local security. It helps smooth interactions, especially in busy commercial areas.

5: Get Permission from Security Guards

If you don’t have an official shooting permit or pre-arranged location, politely ask permission from any nearby security personnel. A friendly chat (and a small gesture of goodwill) goes a long way.

6: Always Use Obstacle Sensors

Keep your obstacle sensors activated. In a dense city like Lagos, hidden cables, poles, and wires can easily ruin a perfect flight. Sensors add a valuable extra layer of safety.

7: Monitor Battery Levels Wisely

Set your return-to-home battery threshold at 30% instead of the default 15%. Lagos winds can drain batteries faster than expected, and long return paths often require more juice than anticipated.

8: Beware of Hidden Electric Wires

Electric cables are our worst nightmare. They’re hard to see, especially in residential areas, near high-tension lines or after sunset. After every firmware update, double-check your waypoint recordings unexpected path changes can lead to dangerous collisions.

9: Watch Your Signal & Set Your Home Point

Always keep a close eye on your drone’s signal strength.

Certain areas in Lagos, especially around high-rise buildings or telecom towers can cause unexpected signal interference or even a complete loss of connection. One moment everything’s fine, and the next your drone may disconnect and become unresponsive.

Pro Tip 1:

If you spot a telecom tower nearby, or start noticing signal drops even when the drone is close, it may help to switch your drone’s frequency to 2.4 GHz instead of the default 5.8 GHz.

2.4 GHz tends to be more stable and can better penetrate obstacles in interference-heavy urban environments like Lagos.

Pro Tip 2:

Always take the time to set your Home Point at the beginning of every flight. If your signal suddenly drops, your drone will know exactly where to return giving you peace of mind.

🚁 Final Thoughts: Fly Smart, Stay Safe

Flying a drone in Lagos is equal parts skill, street smarts, and preparation.

Whether you’re a professional filmmaker, content creator, or hobbyist, following these 9 essential tips helps to keep your drone safe and to get it home in one piece. 👉 Check out my Lagos Aerial Series for inspiration.

See you in the skies. 🚁✨