Lagos shifts to integrated mass transit in 2050 transport plan
The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has convened a high level stakeholders workshop to update its Strategic Transport and Mobility Master Plan (STMMP), setting out a long term framework
The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has convened a high level stakeholders workshop to update its Strategic Transport and Mobility Master Plan (STMMP), setting out a long term framework to guide the state’s transport system through 2050.
The workshop, funded by the French Development Agency, brought together key stakeholders from across the transport and economic sectors, including government officials, regulators and industry operators.
Among those present were the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi; Special Adviser on Blue Economy, Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel; Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, Engr Mrs Abimbola Akinajo; and General Manager of Lagos State Parking Authority, Mrs Adebisi Adelabu. Representatives of the Nigerian Railway Corporation and the Ogun State Ministry of Transportation also attended.
Delivering the keynote address, Osiyemi said the state had recalibrated its transport strategy, noting that expanding road infrastructure alone could no longer address the scale of congestion in Lagos. He explained that the new direction places integrated mass transit at the centre of the state’s mobility framework.
He said the government would prioritise the expansion of rail systems, strengthen Bus Rapid Transit corridors and develop structured ferry services, all linked within a coordinated multimodal network.
The commissioner added that efforts were underway to modernise public bus fleets with cleaner energy options, while improving last mile connectivity to enhance accessibility across communities. He said the goal is to build a transport system that is efficient, reliable and capable of meeting the demands of a growing urban population.
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In her remarks, Akinajo stressed the urgency of updating the master plan, citing projections that Lagos could reach a population of 45 million by 2050.
She noted that the state already records over 20 million daily trips, placing significant pressure on existing infrastructure and highlighting the need for a comprehensive and forward looking transport strategy.
The LAMATA MD disclosed that the planning process had reached an advanced stage, with extensive multimodal surveys completed and a new travel demand model developed to guide future investments and policy decisions. She added that stakeholder engagement at this stage remains critical to ensuring that the final plan reflects the realities and aspirations of Lagos residents.
The workshop also featured technical presentations by the ROM AEC consortium, alongside contributions from key ministries and agencies responsible for economic planning, urban development, transportation, infrastructure and waterways management.
Stakeholders said the updated STMMP is expected to guide infrastructure investment, strengthen institutional coordination and support the development of a more integrated and sustainable transport system across Lagos in the years ahead.
