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  • LAMATA launches ‘Soro Soke’ campaign against sexual harassment on public transport

    LAMATA launches ‘Soro Soke’ campaign against sexual harassment on public transport

    The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has launched the “Soro Soke” (Speak Up) campaign to tackle sexual harassment across public transport systems in the state.

    The campaign was unveiled at a stakeholders’ engagement held at LAMATA headquarters, as part of efforts to improve commuter safety and promote a gender-inclusive transport system in Lagos.

    The engagement focused on addressing sexual harassment within informal transport spaces under EMPOWER Project 3, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and managed by the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie).

    Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, commended LAMATA for sustaining the EMPOWER programme for over five years. He stressed the need to break the culture of silence surrounding sexual harassment, urging victims and witnesses to speak up and report incidents.

    “This campaign is about creating safe spaces for all commuters, especially women. Reporting harassment is key to ending it,” he said.

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    Managing Director of LAMATA, Engr. Abimbola Akinajo, reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to sustaining the anti-sexual harassment initiative, noting that LAMATA would continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure safer transport environments.

    According to her, the campaign reinforces its resolve to make public transport in Lagos safer, more inclusive and responsive, ensuring the protection and dignity of all commuters.

    Also speaking, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration in addressing sexual and gender-based violence within public spaces.

  • AFD applauds Lagos, LAMATA on new transport interchanges

    AFD applauds Lagos, LAMATA on new transport interchanges

    • Tours Marina, Mile 2 interchanges under construction

    The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) has commended the Lagos State government and the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) for their efforts to ease commuting in the state, with the construction of two transport interchanges in Marina and Mile 2.

    The Director of the Africa Department of the AFD, Sandra Kassab, stated this recently after leading a team from the agency to tour the two projects, along with the Commissioner of Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, and the Managing Director of LAMATA, Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, to check the progress of the work done.

    Commenting after the tour, the head of the AFD delegation, Kassab, who was excited about what she saw, and the progress of work done, praised LAMATA and the state government for its commitment in wanting to ease commuting across the metropolis.

     She said: “We have the joy and the pride to work together with LAMATA for more than 10 years already, supporting the development of an affordable, secure, and reliable transportation system that is integrated.

     “So this field visit is a vibrant opportunity to see concretely how service has been improved through infrastructure investment and to have the opportunity also to really understand the challenge of interconnectivity between the rail, the BRT, and other transportation systems and bring better service to Nigerian people. 

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    “I have been really impressed, and I reiterate my gratitude to Nigeria, to the State of Lagos, to LAMATA for their trust. We have been lucky enough to work on the planning of the project, to be part of it, and to mobilize resources for the financing of the investment.”

    On her part, the Managing Director of LAMATA, disclosed that the two transport interchanges being built at Marina and Mile 2 to promote intermodal transportation will be ready between the end of the first quarter and the middle of the second quarter of 2026.

    Speaking after a delegation from Agence Française de Développement (AFD) led by Sandra Kassab, the Director, Africa Department of the agency, toured the Marina and Mile 2 transport interchange to check the progress of the work done, she said there LAMATA can see great progress with the work done, reason it is very comfortable that at the very latest, at the beginning of the second quarter of 2026, the two interchanges would be delivered.

    According to her, the state has a non-motorized policy, which is driving the non-motorized aspect of the Marina Interchange project.

    “And it’s probably unique when you look at the intermodal transport system in Lagos. We must note that Lagos has a non-motorized transport policy as part of its transportation policy. Lagos is probably the first state that has incorporated that in its transport policy.

      “In fact, Lagos is probably the first state that has its own transport policy, and that’s under the purview of our Ministry of Transportation. But what is important here is that Lagos is deliberate about ensuring that we have an adequate non-motorized transportation system. The backbone of that is connectivity, the ability to connect non-motorised transport (NMT) infrastructure to other transport modes.”

     She disclosed that when the Marina Interchange is completed, the plan is to have commuters walk from the outer Marina and get to the J. Randle Museum and some parts of the offices around the inner Marina.

    With this, the MD of LAMATA said the state would be reducing carbon emissions because passengers will not use cars to connect these locations.

    On his part, the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, stated that the state government is committed to completing the project like many others because transportation is the first ‘T’ in the THEMES+agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

  • AFD hails Lagos, LAMATA on new transport interchanges

    AFD hails Lagos, LAMATA on new transport interchanges

    The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) has commended the Lagos State government and the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) for efforts to ease commuting in the state, with the construction of two transport interchanges in Marina and Mile 2.

    The Director of the Africa Department of the AFD, Sandra Kassab, stated this recently after leading a team from the agency to tour the two projects, along with the Commissioner of Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, and the Managing Director of LAMATA, Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, to check the progress of the work done.

    Commenting after the tour, the head of the AFD delegation, Kassab, who was excited about what she saw, and the progress of work done, praised LAMATA and the state government for its commitment in wanting to easing commuting across the metropolis. 

     She said: “We have the joy and the pride to work together with LAMATA for more than 10 years already, supporting the development of an affordable, secure, and reliable transportation system that is integrated. 

     “So this field visit is a vibrant opportunity to see concretely how service has been improved through infrastructure investment and to have the opportunity also to really understand the challenge of interconnectivity between the rail, the BRT, and other transportation systems and bring better service to Nigerian people.  

    “I have been really impressed, and I reiterate my gratitude to Nigeria, to the State of Lagos, to LAMATA for their trust. We have been lucky enough to work on the planning of the project, to be part of it, and to mobilize resources for the financing of the investment.”

    Managing Director of LAMATA, disclosed that the two transport interchanges being built at Marina and Mile 2 to promote intermodal transportation will be ready between the end of the first quarter and the middle of the second quarter of 2026.

    Speaking after a delegation from Agence Française de Développement (AFD) led by Sandra Kassab, the Director, Africa Department of the agency, toured the Marina and Mile 2 transport interchange to check the progress of the work done, she said there LAMATA can see great progress with the work done, reason it is very comfortable that at the very latest, at the beginning of the second quarter of 2026, the two interchanges would be delivered.

    According to her, the state has a non-motorized policy, which is driving the non-motorized aspect of the Marina Interchange project. 

    “And it’s probably unique when you look at the intermodal transport system in Lagos. We must note that Lagos has a non-motorized transport policy as part of its transportation policy. Lagos is probably the first state that has incorporated that in its transport policy.

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      “In fact, Lagos is probably the first state that has its own transport policy, and that’s under the purview of our Ministry of Transportation. But what is important here is that Lagos is deliberate about ensuring that we have an adequate non-motorized transportation system. The backbone of that is connectivity, the ability to connect non-motorised transport (NMT) infrastructure to other transport modes.”

     She disclosed that when the Marina Interchange is completed, the plan is to have commuters walk from the outer Marina and get to the J. Randle Museum and some parts of the offices around the inner Marina.

    LAMATA MD said the state would be reducing carbon emissions because passengers will not use cars to connect these locations. 

    Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, stated that the State Government is committed to completing the project like many others because transportation is the first ‘T’ in the THEMES+agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. 

  • Opeifa visits LAMATA, pledges stronger collaboration on efficient train service

    Opeifa visits LAMATA, pledges stronger collaboration on efficient train service

    Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr Kayode Opeifa, has visited facilities of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) with a pledge to deepen collaboration on modern rail services.

    Opeifa, who inspected the Blue Line control centre at Marina, the Independent Power Plant at Iganmu and the Red Line station at Oyingbo with LAMATA Managing Director, Abimbola Akinajo, said the NRC would adopt lessons from Lagos.

    “We are here to learn from Lagos State and LAMATA in the areas of security, energy, crowd control, ticketing and frequency of operation,” he said.

    He disclosed that the NRC would soon migrate payments on the narrow gauge to the Cowry Card used on Lagos trains, to “ensure seamless movement of passengers from the national rail corridor to the state service with the same system.”

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    Opeifa said the corporation plans to power its trains with electricity or gas within five years. “Some of our engines can use Liquefied Natural Gas. That is one of the reasons we came to see what LAMATA has done,” he explained.

    Engr Akinajo said the Blue Line would mark two years of uninterrupted service on September 4, recording 98 per cent uptime and 200 days of steady power supply from the dedicated IPP.

    She restated LAMATA’s commitment to intermodal transport under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus agenda, adding that the agency “is willing to deepen its partnership with NRC in the overall interest of Lagosians.”

  • We introduced bus corridors to end disorderly commuting – LAMATA

    We introduced bus corridors to end disorderly commuting – LAMATA

    • By Uyor Esther Ojoshimite

    The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has stated that the introduction of bus corridor to end disorderly commuting in the state.

    The agency reaffirmed its commitment to completing the ongoing Quality Bus Corridor (QBC) project despite minor delays on some construction sites.

    Speaking during a media tour across three active project sites, the Managing Director of LAMATA, Abimbola Akinajo, described the initiative as critical to Lagos State’s vision of building a reliable, integrated, and people-centered transport system.

    Read Also: LAMATA announces 18% increase in BRT fares from Monday

    The inspection team visited Abule-Egba, Iju, and Ikotun currently undergoing development as part of the larger QBC scheme.

    Akinajo noted that the project was beyond building bus terminals or resurfacing roads, noting that it aims to provide essential infrastructure such as bus depots, terminals, dedicated bus lanes, lay-bys, and proper bus stops to replace the current disorderly system where buses pick up passengers indiscriminately.

  • Lagos Bus Reform Initiative targets safety, efficiency

    Lagos Bus Reform Initiative targets safety, efficiency

    Lagos State Government, through Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), has launched a Bus Reform Initiative (BRI) to revolutionise public transportation, with a pilot programme along Lekki-Epe corridor.

    The initiative prioritises commuter safety, operational efficiency and technology-driven solutions to address the state’s growing transport challenges.

    Director, Transport Operations, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Olasunkanmi Ojowuro, speaking on radio, said safety was the cornerstone of the reform.

    “Commuters will travel in safer vehicles, driven by well-trained professionals,” he said.

    “All drivers on the corridor will undergo mandatory training by Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI) to ensure defensive driving standards.

    Read Also: Danfo drivers to get 800 vehicles in Lagos’ bus reform scheme

    “Vehicles, inspected by the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS), must meet strict safety criteria, with non-compliant operators required to upgrade or face exclusion.”

    The BRI integrates private sector operators, merging existing players into a structured system. Twelve registered operators, managing fleets of up to 50 vehicles each, will service the corridor using high-and medium-capacity buses, alongside smaller vehicles such as ‘koropes’ and ‘danfos’ for first-and last-mile connectivity.

    Ojowuro, an engineer, noted that ‘’these smaller buses will ferry passengers from inner communities to major hubs, ensuring seamless integration with larger routes.’’

  • LAMATA hosts X-space panel discussion on Lagos public transport system 

    LAMATA hosts X-space panel discussion on Lagos public transport system 

    Lagos’ public transport system took center stage today in an engaging discussion hosted by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) on X (formerly Twitter).

    Moderated by LAMATA’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kolawole Ojelabi, the session featured four seasoned experts who examined the progress, challenges, and future strategies for improving the city’s transportation network, a crucial lifeline for its growing population.

    The panel included Engineer Olasukomi Okusaga, Technical Adviser for Public Transport Rail at LAMATA; Dr. Olukemi Amore, a transport geographer; Engineer Adeyemi Adeniji, Assistant Civil Engineer; and Engineer Osa Konyeha, Technical Adviser for Planning at LAMATA. Discussions covered key topics such as rail and bus rapid transit (BRT) developments, sustainability, and infrastructure resilience.

    LAMATA’s Role Clarified: Beyond Just Operating Buses

    Engineer Konyeha kicked off the discussion by addressing a common misconception that LAMATA is merely a transport operator. “We are primarily a planning, implementing, and regulating authority,” he emphasized, highlighting LAMATA’s oversight of the Strategic Transport Master Plan (STMP).

    Initially developed in 2002 and revised in 2014, the STMP outlines ambitious goals: six rail lines, one monorail, 14 BRT corridors, and over 20 water transport routes. “Everything we implement stems from this long-term vision for sustainable transportation in Lagos,” Konyeha added.

    BRT Performance: Progress Amid Challenges

    Dr. Amore provided a detailed overview of the BRT system’s performance. Of the 14 planned corridors, three are operational: Ikorodu to CMS (since 2008, extended in 2015, moving over 500 million passengers), Oshodi to Abule-Egba (since 2020, 60 million passengers), and Lagos-Badagry Expressway (since 2021, 1.9 million passengers). 

    She noted the integration of high-capacity buses and the Cowry Card, an automated fare system enhancing commuter convenience. However, addressing commuter complaints about long wait times, she acknowledged a shortage of buses—currently under 1,000 across all routes—pledging improvements by Q3 2025.

    Rail Milestones: Blue and Red Lines Lead the Way

    Engineer Okusaga updated attendees on the operational Blue and Red rail lines, both in phase one. 

    The Blue Line, spanning 14 kilometers from Marina to Mile 2, has scaled from 12 to 72 daily trips in 18 months, with plans to reach 100 trips and a 10-minute headway. “It’s a game-changer,” he said, citing steady ridership growth and positive commuter feedback on social media. 

    The Red Line, from Agbado to Oyingbo, faces constraints due to track-sharing with the federal government’s Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), limiting it to five daily trips. However, a fare reduction has spurred a 500% ridership surge. New train sets for both lines, inspected in China, are expected to arrive by May (Blue) and year-end (Red), boosting capacity.

    Infrastructure Resilience and Integration

    Engineer Adeniji tackled infrastructure challenges, emphasizing the importance of data-driven planning to accommodate Lagos’ dense population and climate pressures. 

    Read Also: LAMATA announces 18% increase in BRT fares from Monday

    Recent upgrades include rehabilitated BRT corridors like Oshodi to Abule-Egba and Ikorodu to TBS, alongside efforts to maintain visible lane markings and replace vandalized road signs. 

    Addressing commuter queries, she clarified that the Yaba bus terminal project, delayed by relocation efforts for affected persons, will resume within weeks, while the Aja terminal is set for completion by month’s end.

    Future Plans: Green Line, Biogas, and Private Investment

    Responding to audience questions, Okusaga outlined the Green Line’s development, a 68-kilometer route from Marina to Lekki Free Zone, to be built in two phases with federal backing. Detailed design is next, targeting operations within 36 months. 

    The Purple Line has secured $1.2 billion of its $2 billion funding goal, reflecting strong investor interest. Meanwhile, Konyeha highlighted LAMATA’s shift to multifuel options, including biogas. 

    A feasibility study confirmed its viability given Lagos’ waste volume, with a roadmap and steering committee now in place to attract private-sector involvement in biogas and electric buses.

    Commuters’ Role in Progress

    The panelists urged commuters to protect infrastructure and provide constructive feedback. 

    Okusaga stressed avoiding vandalism, noting, “This is paid for by taxpayers’ money—our money.” 

    Adeniji called out trading on walkways and clogging drainages, which exacerbate flooding, while Amore encouraged specific complaints (e.g., bus numbers) to expedite solutions and survey participation to shape planning. 

    Konyeha echoed this, emphasizing cooperation with consultants updating the STMP to 2049.

    Listener Queries Addressed

    Ajah-Eleko BRT: Dr. Amore confirmed plans to deploy high-capacity buses along this corridor, integrating informal operators.

    Ikorodu Terminal: Adeniji noted an existing terminal since 2015, with plans to expand using newly acquired land.

    Red Line Phase Two: Okusaga projected physical construction by Q3-Q4 2025, pending funding finalization, enhancing connectivity at National Theatre.

    As Lagos’ population grows, LAMATA’s multi-pronged approach—rail expansion, BRT enhancements, and sustainable fuel innovations—aims to ease congestion and improve mobility. With commuters’ cooperation and private investment, the city’s transport future looks promising yet demanding.

  • LAMATA announces 18% increase in BRT fares from Monday

    LAMATA announces 18% increase in BRT fares from Monday

    Lagos State Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA has announced an 18 per cent bus fare increase on its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems from Monday.

    This was contained in a statement issued yesterday by LAMATA. It cited spike in operational costs and the necessity to maintain bus services as the reason for the hike.

    “Please be informed that there will be an 18 per cent increase in bus fare on all bus reform initiative (BRI) schemes. ‘’The fare increase is because of the increase in the cost of operations and the need to ensure buses keep running and guaranteeing your movement around Lagos,” the statement said.

    Read Also: LAMATA: multi-modal interchange to boost city transport

    It seeks the cooperation of Lagosians as the BRT system is part of the bus reform initiatives of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration.

    No reference was made in the statement whether the new fare regime would affect train services. LAMATA now operates two train services – the Blue Line and the Red Line for the Lagos State Government.

  • LAMATA expands Red Line rail service to ease Lagos Commutes

    LAMATA expands Red Line rail service to ease Lagos Commutes

    The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has announced an expansion of the Red Line train service to improve rail transportation along the Agbado-Oyingbo corridor.

    In a statement on its X handle on Saturday, LAMATA confirmed that the enhanced schedule will commence on Monday, February 10, 2025, featuring more frequent trips during peak hours.

    “The Red Line train service will increase its capacity, providing full service during the AM peak hours, effective Monday, February 10, 2025,” the statement reads.

    Under the new schedule, the Red Line will operate five morning trips and four evening trips daily, making a total of nine trips per day—an upgrade from the previous two-morning trips from Agbado to Oyingbo.

    “The Red Line will now operate five-morning trips and four evening trips daily, totaling nine trips per day. Previously, two-morning trips were available from Agbado to Oyingbo,” LAMATA confirmed.

    This expansion aims to offer commuters more travel options and a smoother experience with reduced delays.

    Read Also: LAMATA: multi-modal interchange to boost city transport

    “The change in schedule provides commuting options for Lagos residents traveling along the Agbado to Oyingbo corridor. The Red Line guarantees residents reduced travel time, with a total journey duration of 50 minutes from Agbado to Oyingbo and a reduced waiting time at each station of only two minutes,” the statement added.

    LAMATA also announced plans to further enhance service capacity with the arrival of three new train sets in the coming months.

    “In the coming months, the arrival of three new train sets will further enhance the Red Line’s capacity and service to Lagos residents,” LAMATA noted.

  • LAMATA: multi-modal interchange to boost city transport

    LAMATA: multi-modal interchange to boost city transport

    The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has promised Lagosians a better public transportation system.

     The Managing Director of LAMATA, Engr.  Abimbola Akinajo, noted that road, water and rail transport will be integrated in the interchange for a seamless experience.

    She revealed that about 13 interchanges are planned,but  Marina and Mile2 are the two major ones, adding  that the project is expected to be completed within 13 months, with a 15-month contract in place, aiming for readiness by the beginning of 2026.

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    “LAMATA is fulfilling the mandate set by the Lagos State government to develop and improve public transportation, ensuring a pleasant experience for commuters.

    “All modes of transportation road, water, and rail will be integrated at this interchange. The vision is to ensure that when people change modes of transportation, they can do so within a short period of time, ideally in less than 3 to 5 minutes.

     “Passengers will be able to disembark from a train and immediately board a bus to complete their journey,” she said.

    Akinajo emphasised  LAMATA’s commitment to the  project to develop and improve the state transport system.

    The LAMATA boss also  said the agency has enjoyed cooperation of all stakeholders involved.