Lagos prioritises multimodal connectivity over road expansion in 2050 transport vision
The Lagos state government, in a move to reshape urban mobility, has announced a major policy shift, prioritising multimodal connectivity over road expansion in its 2050 transport vision.
The Lagos state government, in a move to reshape urban mobility, has announced a major policy shift, prioritising multimodal connectivity over road expansion in its 2050 transport vision.
Oluwaseun Osiyemi, Lagos state commissioner for transportation, stated this while giving his keynote address at the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) stakeholders’ workshop to update its Strategic Transport and Mobility Master Plan (STMMP)
Osiyemi stressed that expanding road infrastructure alone can no longer solve Lagos’ congestion challenges, noting that mass transit will now anchor the state’s strategy, with a focus on expanding rail systems, strengthening Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and developing structured ferry services into a fully integrated, multimodal network.
He also outlined plans to modernise public bus fleets with cleaner energy and improve last-mile connectivity, aiming to create a more accessible, efficient, and pedestrian-friendly city.
The workshop, funded by the French Development Agency (AFD), brought together key figures from the transport and economic sectors.
Among them were Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, special adviser to the Lagos State governor on Blue Economy, Abimbola Akinajo, managing director of LAMATA, Adebisi Adelabu, general manager, Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA), and representatives from multiple ministries, including the Nigerian Railway Corporation, and the Ogun State Ministry of Transportation.
Setting a clear roadmap for Lagos’ transportation needs, Akinajo underscored the urgency of the updated master plan, citing projections that Lagos’ population could reach 45 million by 2050. With more than 20 million daily trips already recorded, she described the need for a resilient and forward-looking transport strategy as critical.
She revealed that the planning process has reached an advanced stage, with extensive multimodal surveys completed and a new travel demand model developed.
According to her, stakeholder input at this phase is essential to shaping a plan that reflects the scale and ambition of Lagos’ future.
The workshop also featured technical presentations from the ROM/AEC consortium, alongside contributions from key state ministries and agencies, including those responsible for economic planning, urban development, transportation, infrastructure, and waterways management.
