How LAMATA is transforming urban transportation in Lagos and the need the for nationwide adoption of it blueprints

Lagos State as a mega city state in West Africa have invested heavily in infrastructural development and setting the pace of modern day urban transportation in West Africa.

Since the establishment of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) as a state agency focused on annexing existing roads and means of transportation with 21st century transportation infrastructural standard which can be compared to cities in Western world.

The upgrading of the face of Lagos transport system from the old medium like Danfo (Yellow buses), yellow painted taxis, motorcycles as means of conveying people and goods from one point to another in the state have been transformed by the visionary and transformational leadership style the state have adopted in the last 3 decades.

With the introduction of BRT systems in the 2000's, a transportation model designed to ease traffic and provide alternative platform that can beat the traffic congestion which the state is known for due to it population size. With a carve out road from the existing known roads and expansion of old roads to ease movement across strategic areas linking the mainland with the island.

The thought of introducing and constructing new rail tracks so as to provide alternatives means of transportation across the state with links into neighboring states should be commended. The implementation of these strategically crafted transportation model systems in the commercial and economic capital city of Nigeria, have further solidify the state as not just a centre of excellence in Nigeria, but central of innovation driven excellence across sectors in Africa.

Today, Lagos State rail plan on paper have been executed with modern rail carriages acquired by the state government and supporting technologies procured for monitoring, assessment, connection between different rail terminals and train's during operations.

The beauty of the Blue line and Red line rail transportation system cannot be under emphasized, as this transportation initiative not only contributed to ease of movement of people and encouraging timely commercial activities within the state but also provided massive employment opportunities for citizens working in different terminals, on the train and generating revenue for the state to facilitate other development projects.

The new direction under the management team led by Mrs Abimbola Akinajo (FNSE) as managing director with discipline, committed, passionate and innovative team members working

towards amplifying the mission and vision of the founding fathers in making Lagos a livable city through the planning and implementation of an integrated,cost effective, efficient, and sustainable transport system for Lagos State.

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