The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority has announced a major shift in the state’s long-term transportation policy, moving away from road expansion to a multimodal system anchored on rail, Bus Rapid Transit, and ferry services.
The development was disclosed in a statement following a high-level stakeholders’ workshop convened to review Lagos’ Strategic Transport and Mobility Master Plan, which outlines the state’s mobility vision up to 2050.
According to LAMATA, the revised plan is designed to address worsening traffic congestion, improve connectivity, and prepare for rapid population growth, with Lagos projected to reach about 45 million residents by mid-century.
The authority said the workshop, supported by Agence Française de Développement, brought together government officials, urban planners, regulators, and other stakeholders to develop a more sustainable and future-ready transport system.
Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the state must rethink its reliance on road construction as a primary solution to mobility challenges.
“Expanding road infrastructure alone can no longer address the scale of congestion we face. We are now prioritising mass transit solutions that will move more people efficiently across the city,” he said.
Osiyemi explained that the new strategy would focus on expanding rail networks, strengthening the BRT system, and developing structured ferry services into an integrated transport network.
“In a decisive move to reshape urban mobility, this updated master plan provides a clear roadmap for Lagos’ transportation needs through 2050, with mass transit at its core,” he added.
The commissioner also disclosed plans to modernise the state’s public bus system by introducing cleaner energy alternatives, alongside improving last-mile connectivity to enhance commuter access across the metropolis.
Managing Director of LAMATA, Abimbola Akinajo, highlighted the growing pressure on the state’s transport system, revealing that Lagos records over 20 million trips daily.
“This figure reflects the enormous demand on our transport infrastructure.
To respond effectively, we have completed updated multimodal transport surveys and developed a new travel demand model to guide long-term planning,” she said.
Akinajo added that extensive stakeholder engagement informed the revised blueprint, ensuring it aligns with current commuting patterns and future mobility needs.
Over the years, Lagos has struggled with increasing traffic congestion, driven by rapid urbanisation, population growth, and a heavy dependence on road transport. Previous interventions largely focused on road expansion and bridge construction, but these have not kept pace with rising demand.
With the new framework, the state is positioning mass transit as the backbone of its transport system, aiming to improve efficiency, accessibility, and long-term sustainability for residents.
