By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
As the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu comes to an end the Lagos State Government has highlighted key achievements in the transportation sector, describing the past 6 years as a period of significant reforms aimed at modernising mobility, promoting environmental sustainability and strengthening intermodal transport systems.
Speaking during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing organised by the Ministry of Transportation, the government said its interventions under the THEMES+ Agenda had reshaped public transport operations and improved commuter experience across the State.
A major highlight was the EcoMove Lagos initiative launched in 2025, designed to promote cleaner and more sustainable transportation. The programme featured environmental sanitation exercises, sensitisation campaigns and medical outreach for transport operators across major motor parks, while reinforcing the State’s push for eco-friendly mobility and reduced carbon emissions.
The government noted progress in its transition to cleaner energy transport systems, particularly through the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric vehicles. According to the Ministry, CNG buses introduced since 2022 have transported over 600,000 passengers, achieving about 50 per cent reduction in fuel costs. In addition, pilot electric buses on Bus Rapid Transit corridors moved over 150,000 passengers within a 90-day trial period, reducing emissions significantly.
It also disclosed that 152 First and Last Mile buses had been converted from petrol to CNG under the National Pi-CNG programme, while further conversions to electric-powered vehicles are being evaluated.
On rail infrastructure, the State reiterated its commitment to a seven-line electric rail mass transit system, describing it as central to Lagos’ long-term transportation masterplan. It said the operational Blue Line rail corridor from Mile 2 to Marina remains a landmark achievement in expanding urban rail connectivity.
In the road transport sector, the Lekki–Epe Bus Reform Initiative, launched in December 2025, was cited as a major step toward regulated and structured bus operations. The initiative introduced designated routes, branded buses, QR-coded verification systems, cashless payment via Cowry Card, and driver identification protocols to improve accountability and service delivery.
The government also said the adoption of the Cowry Card payment system across transport modes has enhanced intermodal connectivity and reduced reliance on cash transactions, improving efficiency for commuters.
In the waterways sector, Lagos Ferry Services recorded increased passenger movement, rising from about 1,500 to 2,000 daily commuters in 2025. The agency also retrofitted seven ferries and introduced new routes linking key communities such as Ijede, Ibeshe and Ito-Omu to Lagos Island and the Lekki axis.
The State further noted that water transport has become a growing logistics alternative, with major companies including Dangote Industries and BUA Industries utilising barge operations for goods movement between Mile 2 and Apapa.
Additionally, the ₤410 million OMI-EKO Project, launched in October 2025, was highlighted as part of efforts to modernise inland waterways and introduce electric ferry operations aimed at achieving zero-emission water transportation.
On bus operations, Lagos Bus Services Limited (LBSL) said it has transported over 60.8 million passengers between May 2019 and February 2025, with an average of over 42,000 daily commuters across more than 40 routes. The agency added that its subsidised fare structure has saved residents an estimated N14.9 billion compared to informal transport fares.
The government said these interventions collectively reflect its commitment to building a safer, cleaner and more integrated transport system, as it concludes its tenure with what it described as foundational reforms for future mobility in Lagos State.