LAMATA bags 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.