By Adeyinka Aderibigbe
Lagos State scored another first yesterday, when, before captains of industries, the crème of the academia and representatives of no less than five sister states, the State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu unveiled the state’s Transport Policy.
The governor who was represented at the event by the Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Kadiri Hamzat, at the Balmoral, Sheraton, Lagos, said the policy, put together by a team of policy makers, experts, transport operators and other stakeholders State Transport Policy, we are laying down a comprehensive framework that will guide the continued development and regulation of the state’s transportation sector. This policy, he said, encompasses the Integrated Multi-Modal Transport Systems that ensures seamless connectivity between road, rail, and water transport modes.
The policy, according to him, is not just another document but a roadmap to a brighter, more effective, efficient, inclusive and sustainable future for the state, as it embodies a vision where transportation is no longer a challenge, but a seamless experience that enhances the quality of life for all residents.
He said: “We all know the challenges that have plagued our transportation system for far too long, ranging from traffic congestion, to pollution, to inadequate infrastructure amongst 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.
The governor, who asked the nation and other states in the country to take a cue from the state, said the transport policy embodies government’s commitment to providing safe, reliable, and affordable transportation options for all residents, regardless of their socio-economic status or location, to revolutionize our transportation system, alleviate traffic congestion, and create a safer, more efficient, and sustainable environment for all residents.
He said the policy would help push the state’s transportation master plan which has not only seen the rehabilitation and expansion of some major road networks, delivered on the Lagos Rail Mass Transit which through its Blue Line, has commuted over 1 million passengers since it began operation while the Red Line when in operation would transport 500,000 passengers per day.
The government has continued to deepen its share of the waterways through strategic investments in modern ferries and upgraded terminals which has provided alternative modes of transportation to about 2 million passengers in the last four years.
He said he would today commission 15 out of the 25 new boats built in the state, to add to the existing fleet to further improve water transit and accessibility.
Sanwo-Olu said the deployment of Automatic Number Plate Recognition Camera (ANPR) has captured 26,816 violations in the first three months of this year alone while the ANPR camera has recorded 856,680 violations since the inception of the administration and had minimized human interferences in traffic management and curbed traffic violations and accidents.
In the last four years, the state’s fleet of High-Capacity and Medium-Capacity Buses have served over 51 million passengers , while the government has also introduced LAGRide, a technology-driven ride-hailing service that offers secure, dependable, and cost-effective transportation solutions to our residents.
The government is also promoting non-motorized transportation by investing in pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, including walkways and cycling lanes just to improve the health and well-being of residents.
He assured that the state is implementing safety protocols to protect commuters and ensure that the transportation system remains accessible and affordable for all residents, including the elderly and those with disabilities.
The Commissioner for Transportation Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi said the policy represents a bold step aimed at transforming the way people move in the state.
“This policy provides a comprehensive framework for the continued development and regulation of the 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.”
In their goodwill messages, the President of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIOTA), Prince Olusegun Ochuko Obayendo, who was represented by the Executive Secretary of CIOTA, Mrs Chinwe Nwaegbute, former Commissioner for Transportation, Dr Frederic Oladeinde, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation Sola Giwa, lauded the Governor for blazing the trail, and for his unwavering commitment to changing the narrative of the transportation system.
Earlier in his review, the consultant Dr George Adegboyega Banjo said the over-aching responsibility of the government now that the policy has been unveiled, lies in how it goes about implementing the new policy.
“You have a good policy but the success depends on implementation. Continue to keep the people informed at every stage of the implementation of the policy,” Banjo advised.