Kolawole Ojelabi

University of Benin & Pan Atlantic University, Lagos

[Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority LAMATA @Lamataonline]

Day in the Life: LRMT Blue Line Passenger Operator.

Behind every successful journey on the LRMT Blue Line is a team of dedicated operators working in perfect synergy. Whether it's managing real-time station control, communicating via two-way radios across the concourse, or optimizing platform safety, our crew works tirelesly to ensure precision timing.
It’s more than just a train ride it’s an integrated ecosystem built for a thriving Lagos.

#LAMATA #KeepingLagosMoving #lasg

[Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority LAMATA @Lamataonline]

Smart Freight Ecosystem: Lagos Moves to Reform Sector with New Policy Framework

The Lagos State Government has taken a significant step toward transforming the movement of goods across the state with the commencement of consultations for a comprehensive Lagos Freight Policy and Regulatory Framework aimed at improving efficiency, reducing congestion, and strengthening economic growth.

The initiative, themed “Smart Freight for a Thriving Lagos,” is funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and supported by consultants ITS/FAOCON.
It brings together key stakeholders across the freight, logistics, and transportation sectors to identify challenges, address operational overlaps, and develop a coordinated regulatory framework for the state.

Speaking at the stakeholder engagement session, the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said Lagos must adopt a modern and integrated approach to manage increasing freight volumes driven by rapid urbanization and industrial expansion.

“Addressing these challenges requires more than physical infrastructure alone,” Osiyemi said. “It demands a coherent policy framework, regulatory alignment, institutional coordination, and the deployment of smart and innovative solutions that improve efficiency while supporting economic growth.”

The Commissioner noted that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is implementing far-reaching reforms to modernize the freight and logistics sector, including the transition to cleaner and safer Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks, expansion of multimodal transport infrastructure, and deployment of technology-driven solutions such as electronic call-up systems and intelligent transport systems.

The Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Engr. Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, represented by the agency’s Technical Adviser, Planning, Engr. Osa Konyeha, assured participants that the proposed framework is intended to harmonize freight operations and improve coordination among relevant agencies rather than create additional layers of bureaucracy.

According to the state government, the policy will not alter or duplicate the statutory responsibilities of existing Federal and State Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). Instead, it is designed to eliminate institutional bottlenecks, reduce operational duplication, and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders.

When completed, the framework is expected to support the development of a freight ecosystem that is safe, efficient, sustainable, and investment-friendly, while enhancing Lagos’ position as West Africa’s leading commercial hub.

Key focus areas of the proposed policy include:

* Smarter Regulation and Innovation to encourage private-sector participation and investment;
* Cleaner Freight Operations through the adoption of CNG-powered truck fleets and environmentally sustainable practices;
* Multimodal Integration linking road, rail, and maritime transport systems to improve cargo movement and reduce traffic congestion.

Mr. Osiyemi stressed that the success of the initiative would depend on broad stakeholder collaboration and consensus-building.

He added that by incorporating recommendations from operators, regulators, industry experts, and other stakeholders, Lagos is laying the foundation for a practical and implementable freight policy capable of supporting long-term economic growth and sustainable urban mobility.

The engagement marks another milestone in Lagos State’s efforts to build a smarter, more resilient transportation system and create a freight network capable of meeting the demands of Africa’s fastest-growing megacity.

[Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority LAMATA @Lamataonline]

61 Hearty Cheers to the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. @jidesanwoolu!
Thank you, Your Excellency, for your visionary leadership and continuous commitment to transforming public transportation across the metropolis. Your support remains the driving engine behind our mission.
The LAMATA family wishes you excellent health, wisdom, and many more impactful years ahead🚊🚍
#SanwoOluAt61 #HappyBirthday #LAMATA #LagosTransit #KeepingLagosMoving

[Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority LAMATA @Lamataonline]

Ever wondered what moving thousands of Lagosians looks like?

Swipe to see what it takes to drive the Lagos Blue Line train. No traffic, no gridlock from Marina to Mile 2.

Which slide is your favorite?

#LagosBlueLine #LAMATA #DayInTheLife #LagosTraffic #TrainDriver #KeepLagosMoving

[Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority LAMATA @Lamataonline]

LAMATA Wins UITP Impact Award for Bus Industry Transition Programme

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has been honoured with the prestigious UITP Impact Award in recognition of the successful implementation of its Bus Industry Transition Programme (BITP).

The award was presented in Brussels, Belgium, and received on behalf of LAMATA by its Managing Director, Engr. (Mrs.) Abimbola Akinajo, alongside the Head of Human Resources and Administration, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Akintoye.

The Lagos Bus Industry Transition Programme (BITP) is a strategic initiative of the Lagos State Government aimed at reforming, modernising, and regulating public bus transportation across the state. The programme was introduced to transform a sector that had long been dominated by privately operated minibuses, popularly known as “danfo”, and other buses functioning with limited rmegulation.

Through the BITP, the government seeks to establish a more organised, efficient, safe, and sustainable public transport system that meets the mobility needs of Lagos residents.

Key objectives of the programme include modernising public transportation, improving passenger comfort and safety, reducing traffic congestion through the deployment of higher-capacity buses, and promoting environmental sustainability through the introduction of cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles.

The award recognises Lagos State's innovative and systematic approach to integrating informal bus operations into a formalised and regulated transport ecosystem.

Major components of the BITP include route franchising, fleet renewal through the introduction of modern buses, driver training and certification, and the deployment of electronic ticketing systems to improve service delivery and operational efficiency.

Speaking on the award, Engr. Akinajo expressed gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, and the transport unions whose cooperation and support have been instrumental to the programme's success.

She noted that while significant progress has been made, the transition process is ongoing and requires sustained collaboration among all stakeholders.

Engr. Akinajo also thanked UITP for the recognition, stating that the award would serve as further motivation for LAMATA to continue advancing public transportation and delivering world-class mobility solutions for Lagos residents.

[Kolawole Ojelabi @olukolly]

@adelexy85 @Lamataonline LAMATA is working with Bus Operating Companies to ensure they meet up with the Service Level Agreement they signed concerning bus availability. LAMATA is a planning, implementing, regulating and franchising authority.

[Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority LAMATA @Lamataonline]

Work is progressing rapidly inside the new Cele terminal! Our contractors are busy with the final fittings and installations to make this hub fully functional for your daily use.

Stay tuned for more updates.

#LAMATA
#KeepingLagosMoving

[Kolawole Ojelabi @olukolly]

@ajisfola @Lamataonline @Mr_JAGs @gbenga_omo @gboyegaakosile @TheNationNews @Nairametrics @instablog9ja @takingCustody @LagosJunction @BBCBreaking @TrafficChiefNG The Red Line will come out strong soon when the new train set arrive by the third quarter.
We are also in talks with the NRC to increase the number of daily trips significantly.

[Kolawole Ojelabi @olukolly]

@MforMayomikun @Lamataonline @Mr_JAGs @gbenga_omo @gboyegaakosile @TheNationNews @Nairametrics @instablog9ja @takingCustody @LagosJunction @BBCBreaking @TrafficChiefNG The buses have not been neglected. We are talking to the operators on them

[Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority LAMATA @Lamataonline]

Lagos Blue Line Expands Service to 94 Daily Trips, Starts Earlier at 6:00 AM
#LAMATA #Keepinglagosmoving #lasg

[Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority LAMATA @Lamataonline]

LAMATA, NURTW Advance Talks on Bus Industry Transition for Lagos Quality Bus Corridors
The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has taken another significant step toward transforming public transportation in Lagos, engaging the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in discussions on the implementation of the Bus Industry Transition Program.
The initiative aims to integrate informal bus operators into a more structured and regulated transport system, beginning with routes under the Quality Bus Corridor (QBC) project.
Mr. Adepoju Fowokan of LAMATA's Bus Services Department led the engagement, while Mr. Olamide Afolabi, CEO of Touch and Pay Technologies, facilitated the discussions. The NURTW delegation was headed by Mr. Segun Opoola, Chairman of the Ajah Branch.
During the meeting, union representatives provided valuable input on key areas including sustainable financing for bus acquisition, standardized dues collection, vehicle maintenance standards, and operational frameworks. These contributions will help shape the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to be signed by all stakeholders ahead of the pilot phase.
The Bus Industry Transition Program is designed to modernize and formalize Lagos' transport sector, introducing reliable scheduling systems, signalized junctions, and improved service standards to deliver safer, more comfortable, and dependable public transportation for Lagosians.

[Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority LAMATA @Lamataonline]

Here’s a sneak peek of how the interior of the Ikotun hub currently looks. 
From the strength of the floorings to the layout of the laybys, we are leaving no stone unturned in our quest for quality.

#LAMATA
#KeepingLagosMoving

[Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority LAMATA @Lamataonline]

LAMATA Hosts AFD Delegation for Project Review and Site Tour of Interchange Hubs Project

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) today hosted a high-level review mission team from the French Development Agency (AFD) for a comprehensive review of ongoing transport infrastructure projects jointly funded by the Lagos State Government and the agency across the State.

The team, led by AFD Task Team Leader, Anne Chaussavoine and Alexandre Lorot assessed progress of key transport initiatives, including the Marina and Mile 2 Interchange Hubs and the ongoing Quality Bus Corridor (QBC) Project.

The team was received at the LAMATA headquarters by the Managing Director, Engr. (Mrs.) Abimbola Akinajo, who led a detailed project briefing and review session. Following the meeting, the joint team embarked on a site inspection of the Marina Interchange construction project.

When completed, the Marina Interchange Hub will feature a modern transit terminal, dedicated cycling lanes, and pedestrian walkways aimed at promoting non-motorized transportation, improving connectivity, and enhancing urban mobility within the metropolis.

Speaking after the inspection, AFD Task Team Leader, Anne Chaussavoine commended the progress made on the project despite earlier challenges encountered along the shoreline section of the construction works. She observed that the pedestrian walkways linking Marina are approaching completion and expressed confidence that the main transit buildings would be substantially advanced before her next official visit.

The visit underscores the strong partnership between LAMATA and AFD in delivering sustainable, integrated, and efficient transportation infrastructure that supports Lagos State's vision for a modern and accessible urban transit system.

[Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority LAMATA @Lamataonline]

#LAMATA #KeepingLagosmoving #Lasg

[Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority LAMATA @Lamataonline]

Card in hand, big smiles, and boundless dreams!
Today, we celebrate the future leaders, innovators, and movers of Lagos. Seeing these bright faces explore our Blue Line infrastructure reminds us exactly why we do what we do. We aren’t just building tracks and managing buses; we are connecting the next generation to a world of endless possibilities.
From all of us at LAMATA, Happy Children’s Day!

[Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority LAMATA @Lamataonline]

Study participants of the 23rd Course of the Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management’s Practical Logistics Experience Scheme (PLES) have concluded a five-day study attachment at LAMATA, aimed at deepening their understanding of Lagos State’s integrated multimodal transportation system.
The delegation, led by Major Abdulkarim Abba, undertook an extensive assessment of the state’s transport infrastructure, including operations on the Blue and Red Rail Lines, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) operations, major bus terminals, and the authority’s safety and surveillance systems.
During the visit, the military delegation examined the complex logistics and mobility challenges associated with managing transportation in a megacity such as Lagos. At the end of the exercise, the students expressed satisfaction with LAMATA’s strategic execution of an integrated transit network designed to improve urban mobility across the state.
The delegation was received by the Managing Director of LAMATA, Abimbola Akinajo, alongside members of the agency’s management team. Speaking during the closing session, Engr. Akinajo commended the students for their analytical engagement and constructive contributions throughout the attachment programme.
She also emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between LAMATA and the Nigerian military in developing innovative approaches to enhance safety, security, and enforcement across Lagos’ transportation network.

[Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority LAMATA @Lamataonline]

Marina Station was not built with $1.2 billion
#LAMATA #keepinLagosmoving #lasg

[Kolawole Ojelabi @olukolly]

@TobySkusha @Lamataonline You have a right to take picture of any staff collecting cash and send same to us

[Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority LAMATA @Lamataonline]

#LAMATA #KeepingLagosmoving #lasg

[Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority LAMATA @Lamataonline]

LAMATA CRACKS DOWN ON ILLEGAL GOODS MOVEMENT ON PUBLIC BUSES; STRICT SANCTIONS BEGIN JUNE 1
#LAMATA #keepinLagosmoving #lasg