The 7 most important policies that will be implemented in the transport sector in Lagos in the next 2 years

The most important information

• The Lagos State Government plans to complete preparations and award the contract for the fourth mainland bridge within the next two years to significantly reduce travel times and traffic congestion.
• Introduction of intelligent transport systems (ITS), including a traffic control center, area traffic control, CCTV for automatic detection of events and variable message signs to improve traffic management and shorten response times.
• Extension of the contactless ticketing system “Cowry” to all public transport modes, increasing efficiency and user convenience with rechargeable cards and integration with the mobile application.

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Considered to be Nigeria’s most populous state and the smallest in terms of land area, Lagos State has been grappling with persistent mobility challenges for years, including traffic congestion, pressure on road infrastructure and traffic management issues.

These issues impact businesses, residents and state government in a variety of ways. Despite numerous initiatives by different administrations, these interconnected problems persist.

To address these challenges, the Lagos State Government recently launched the Lagos State Transport Policy. This comprehensive plan covers a 15-year period and is divided into stages: within two years, two to five years, five to ten years and up to fifteen years.

In this article, Nairametrics details seven key policies, in no particular order, to be implemented over the next two years and how they aim to address existing challenges in the transport sector in Lagos.

Here are seven policies you can expect to see in the transport sector in Lagos over the next two years:

Complete construction arrangements and contract award for the fourth continental bridge

The Lagos State Transport Policy states that the state government plans to complete preparations for the construction of the Fourth Mainland Bridge and award the contract within the next two years.

This bridge is the most important project in the 15 years of the Transport Policy, aimed at significantly reducing travel times between the Lekki Peninsula/Victoria Island and Ikorodu.

It will also help reduce traffic on the Third Mainland and Eko bridges, thereby reducing travel times and costs for users.

Additionally, the project is expected to create many jobs through private sector involvement and promote development along the corridor, supporting the polycentric growth of the state.

Introduction of intelligent transport systems (ITS)

To achieve optimal transport management, the Lagos State Government will introduce Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) in the next two years.

This initiative includes the development of a modern Traffic Control Center (TCC) and the implementation of Area Traffic Control (ATC) with combined signals and dynamic cycle times.

Additionally, closed-circuit television (CCTV) will support ITS, enabling automatic incident detection (AID) to reduce response times and facilitate traffic management planning.

Variable Message Signs (VMS) will also inform drivers in real time about traffic problems, enabling them to reroute and avoid accidents.

Extension of ‘Cowry’ ticket sales to all public transport

In line with the Lagos State Transport Policy, the Lagos State Government will expand the “Cowry” ticketing system to more public transport modes in the next two years.

This contactless payment solution currently supports state-regulated public transport services and aims to improve the efficiency and user experience of other public transport modes.

The system uses rechargeable Cowry cards, which passengers can top up at a variety of locations including terminals, online platforms and mobile applications. It also integrates with mobile technology, allowing users to check balances, top up cards and manage accounts via the mobile app.

Establishment of Transport Police in Lagos

The Lagos State Government, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police, will establish the Lagos Transport Police (LTP) within the next two years to ensure the safety of users, operators and service providers.

Under the Lagos State Transport Policy, the LTP will be under the purview of the Ministry of Transport and the proposed Surface Transport Safety Agency (STSA), which will be tasked with regulating overall transport safety.

It will also be responsible for securing facilities, equipment and transport infrastructure, including those under construction.

In addition, LTP will oversee the proposed control center to monitor CCTV feeds, as well as local control centers within major communication hubs.

Introduction of a star rating system for vehicle repair workshops

To improve the quality and regulation of vehicle repair shops, the Lagos State Government will introduce a star rating system in the next two years. This system will rate workshops based on the quality of their facilities, equipment, staff capabilities and overall infrastructure.

First, the government will review existing mechanic villages and roadside repair facilities to identify those that should be closed immediately and set a timetable for others.

Additionally, they will evaluate vehicle repair shops located outside mechanic villages or on roadsides to determine their efficiency improvement needs.

To accelerate the implementation of this initiative, the government, in collaboration with the private sector, will explore incentives in line with the Lagos Transport Policy.

Installation of CCTV cameras at key communication points

As part of its efforts to improve traffic management in the state, the Lagos State Government will increase the number of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at key transportation points across the state over the next two years.

These cameras will be installed at transport hubs, stations, bus stops, taxi ranks, goods yards, vehicles and adjacent to transfer hubs.

In line with the Lagos State Transport Policy, this initiative aims to complement the proposed modern Traffic Control Center (TCC) by ensuring smoother traffic flow and minimizing disruption. Ultimately, this will improve the travel experience, reduce travel times and improve road safety across the state.

Introduction of annual testing of freight vehicles registered in Lagos State

Over the next two years, the Lagos State Government will enhance the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) to conduct annual inspections, ensuring the integrity of registered freight vehicles.

Once these improvements are made to the VIS, all trucks, commercial vehicles, flatbed trucks, tankers and container trucks registered in Lagos State will be required to undergo annual VIS testing.