The Lagos State Government has taken a significant step toward modernising its public transportation system following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) under the Bus Industry Transition Programme (BITP).
The agreement marks the beginning of a major reform aimed at integrating commercial bus operators, including the popular danfo buses, into a more structured, regulated and efficient transport network across the state.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Olawale Musa, described the initiative as the dawn of a new era for public transportation in Lagos.
According to Musa, the partnership demonstrates the commitment of the state government and transport stakeholders to delivering a safer, more reliable and sustainable transport system for residents.
The Bus Industry Transition Programme, being implemented by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), is designed to enhance commuter safety, improve service quality and boost operational efficiency while creating an enabling environment for investment in the transport sector.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by RTEAN Lagos State Chairman, Samson Ajala Adepeju, and Secretary, Bolaji Kawojue, alongside NURTW Chairman, Mustapha Adekunle Sego, and Secretary, Usman O. Teslim. The Lagos State Government was represented by Permanent Secretary Olawale Musa and LAMATA Managing Director, Abimbola Akinajo.
As part of the agreement, transport unions will be restructured into cooperative societies, allowing members to transition into franchise operators. The programme also provides for the full digitisation of fare collection, while LAMATA will continue to oversee bus routes and operational standards.
Implementation will begin across eight Quality Bus Corridors (QBCs), with construction already underway on four routes: Iju-Ishaga–Abule Egba, Ketu–Alapere–Akanimodo, Iyana-Iba–Igando–Iyana-Ipaja, and Ojuelegba–Lawanson–Cele.
LAMATA Managing Director, Abimbola Akinajo, disclosed that the agreement followed more than 30 months of consultations between the state government and transport unions.
She noted that the initiative has the potential to serve as a model for other Nigerian cities and countries seeking to modernise public transportation without disrupting the livelihoods of existing operators.
“Formalisation should not be construed as strangulation. When we collaborate, the result will be formidable and capable of being replicated across other parts of Nigeria and in cities around the world seeking to formalise their public transport operations,” Akinajo said.
The Lagos State Government believes the programme will significantly improve daily commuting by making bus services safer, more organised and more predictable, while also safeguarding the interests of transport workers across the state.
