Lagos State Government on Tuesday unveiled its Transport Policy which emphasised integration of the various transport elements and modes to facilitate seamless movement.
The state Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who unveiled the policy document, said that it would address the residents’ transport needs.
Sanwo-Olu was represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.
He said that the Lagos State Transport Policy was built on a foundation of inclusivity, sustainability and innovation.
Sanwo-Olu said that the policy reflected the state government’s commitment to providing safe, reliable and affordable transportation options for all residents, regardless of their socio-economic status or location.
“I am sure we all know the challenges that have plagued our transportation system for too long,” he said.
The governor said that challenges ranged from traffic congestion and pollution to inadequate infrastructure, among others.
“However, challenges present opportunities for innovation and transformation.
“It is with this mindset that we have approached the task of crafting a comprehensive transport policy that addresses the needs of all Lagosians,” he said.
He commended a team of experts, policymakers, transport operators, other stakeholders and citizens, who spent their expertise and time and gave insights to put together the policy document.
The governor said that the government’s achievements in the transport sector had been much and worthy of recognition.
He listed the achievements to include expansion and rehabilitation of some road networks.
He said that there were ongoing efforts to extend and rehabilitate additional routes and guarantee enhanced traffic efficiency.
“A notable example is the ongoing construction of the Opebi-Ojota Link Bridge, a landmark project set to reduce travel time and enhance accessibility throughout Ikeja and its surroundings,” he said.
Earlier in his address of welcome, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said that transport was the backbone of any thriving metropolis.
According to him, Lagos, as Africa’s largest city and an economic hub, is no exception.
Osiyemi described roads, waterways, railways and air routes as the arteries through which the lifeblood of the Lagos city flowed, connecting communities, facilitating commerce and enabling progress.
He said that the transport policy would help to address transport challenges of today and lay the foundation for a brighter and more prosperous tomorrow.
“The Lagos State Transport Policy represents a bold step forward in our collective efforts to transform the way we move people and goods within our city.
“Crafted through extensive consultation with stakeholders, experts and other citizens, this policy embodies our commitment to innovation, efficiency and inclusivity in all aspects of transportation planning and management.
“The policy provides a comprehensive framework for continued development and regulation of our transportation system.
“ It is not just a blueprint but our commitment to a future where transportation is no longer a barrier but a facilitator of progress and prosperity,” he said.
He praised Sanwo-Olu for visionary leadership.
He said that projects inaugurated by the state government in the past few years were a testament to the governor’s dedication to improving the lives of Lagos residents.
A transport consultant, Dr George Banjo, while reviewing the policy document, said that the aim of the policy was to transform Lagos State’s transport sector.
“The policy scope has 14 elements such as road infrastructure, transport safety and security of users and operators, traffic management, public transport, urban road freight, private transport and car usage, non-mototised transport,” he said.
Banjo listed the other elements as rail transport, air transport, inland transport, maritime transport, pipelines and environment, climate change and infrastructure resilience.
He said that for the policy to succeed, there should be a deliberate framework to guide and monitor the implementation, develop institutional arrangements, support local financiers and manage expectations.
