Gladness Gideon
The Lagos State Government has marked a significant milestone in its ongoing transportation reforms, announcing that the Blue Line Rail has successfully transported over two million passengers since its launch.
This achievement was disclosed by the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, commemorating the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.
Osiyemi highlighted the state’s progress under the THEMES+ development agenda, noting that the Lagos State Transport Policy, introduced in May 2024, is now being fully enforced. The policy emphasizes inclusivity, safety, affordability, and sustainability in mobility solutions across the state.
Providing updates on rail infrastructure, the Commissioner noted that Phase 1 of the Blue Line Rail—spanning Marina to Mile 2—has witnessed substantial uptake, with over two million commuters using the service. Construction is currently underway on Phase 2, which will extend the rail line to Okokomaiko.
He also confirmed the operational status of Phase 1 of the Red Line Rail, which connects Agbado to Oyingbo and includes eight modern stations. Phase 2 of the Red Line, which will interlink with the Blue Line at the National Theatre, is in development, further integrating the city’s transit network.
Turning to road-based transportation, Osiyemi disclosed that Lagos’ Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system has moved more than 60 million passengers since 2019. Presently, over 42,000 commuters use the BRT system daily. The state is preparing to deploy new buses and continues to construct Quality Bus Corridors to enhance service delivery. The newly commissioned Abule Egba Bus Terminal is expected to ease congestion and improve travel efficiency in the area.
READ ALSO:Â PICTORIAL: Sanwo-Olu Unveils Lagos Commercial Court
The state’s commitment to multi-modal transportation extends to its waterways. Osiyemi revealed that 15 locally-manufactured Omibus ferries have been deployed, while the Ijegun Egba Terminal is now fully operational. Under the OMI EKO initiative—executed in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD)—Lagos is set to deliver 25 ferry terminals and 78 electric-powered boats. In the last year alone, ferry services have transported over 280,000 passengers. In a move to enhance passenger safety, 12 boats have been upgraded to meet improved operational standards.
Lagos has also made strides in road infrastructure. Osiyemi reported the completion of 49 junction improvement projects, with significant works ongoing in Ikorodu, Iju, and the Allen-Opebi-Toyin corridor. The state has also installed solar-powered traffic signals, implemented 67.9 kilometers of road markings, constructed new medians and laybys, and provided nearly 4,000 additional parking slots.
To ensure traffic compliance and improve safety, the state has intensified enforcement efforts. Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras have captured over 470,000 traffic violations. The Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) issued more than one million roadworthiness certificates in the past year. Meanwhile, the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI) trained over 32,000 drivers, and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) trained 800 new personnel. As part of its community outreach, LASTMA’s school safety advocacy campaign reached 59 schools, and the agency successfully removed more than 100 broken-down vehicles from major roads.
The comprehensive report underscores Lagos’ evolving status as a modern city with a growing, integrated, and sustainable transportation network.
With ongoing projects and renewed investments in mobility infrastructure, the Sanwo-Olu administration is positioning the state as a model for urban transport innovation in Nigeria and beyond.