Lagos, Nigeria’s most populous city, is taking significant strides towards transforming its transportation system. Abimbola Akinajo, Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), recently revealed that over 75,000 commercial buses, known locally as ‘Danfo’, operate on the city’s roads. Akinajo emphasized the need for high-capacity buses to facilitate mass transportation, which she believes is crucial for sustainability.
Speaking at the Lagos State University (LASU), Akinajo noted that the city’s current transportation system is inadequate, with too many small buses on the roads. She suggested that introducing high-capacity buses would not only reduce congestion but also provide a more efficient and environmentally friendly solution. Akinajo estimated that one high-capacity bus could replace around five commercial buses, significantly reducing the number of vehicles on the roads.
LAMATA is engaging in serious conversations with transport unions, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, to ensure a smooth transition to the new system. Akinajo emphasized that the unions are essential partners in the transportation industry and will not be replaced. Instead, they will be integral to the new system, which will be rolled out over the next three years as part of the Bus Industry Transition Programme.
The programme, which has been ongoing for 18 months, aims to introduce high-capacity buses that will provide a more efficient and sustainable transportation solution for the city’s residents. Universities, including LASU, are playing a crucial role in the programme as academic and technical partners, providing research and innovation to support the transformation.
The Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, highlighted the significance of the programme, noting that Lagos State has made significant progress in transportation, with LAMATA at the forefront of this progress. The university is proud to be a partner in this transformation, which is expected to have a positive impact on urban development and prosperity in Lagos State and beyond.
As Lagos continues to grow and develop, its transportation system must evolve to meet the needs of its expanding population. The introduction of high-capacity buses and the engagement of transport unions are crucial steps towards creating a more efficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly transportation system. With the support of academic and technical partners, Lagos is poised to become a model for urban transportation in West Africa.
