- Lagos Signs Landmark Deal to Integrate Danfo Buses Into Modern Transport Network
- Lagos to Introduce Digital Fare System
- LAMATA Managing Director Abimbola Akinajo said the agreement followed more than 30 months of discussions between the government and transport unions
The Lagos State Government has taken a major step towards modernising public transportation as the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to participate in the Lagos State Bus Industry Transition Programme (BITP).
Eko Hot Blog reports that the agreement is expected to transform the state’s public transport system by integrating commercial bus operators, including the iconic danfo buses, into a more organised, regulated and efficient network.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Nearly 30 Years Later, Who Really Knows How Abacha Died?
- Dapo Abiodun, Ipara Is Waiting for Leadership
- Why Every Husband Must Protect His Wife, Even After Death
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Olawale Musa, described the agreement as the beginning of a new era for public transport in Lagos.
He said the partnership reflects the commitment of the state government and transport stakeholders to providing a safer, more reliable and sustainable transport system.
The programme, being implemented by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), is designed to improve commuter safety, service quality and operational efficiency while creating a more attractive environment for investment in the transport sector.
The agreement was signed by RTEAN Lagos State Chairman, Samson Ajala Adepeju, and Secretary, Bolaji Kawojue, alongside NURTW Chairman, Mustapha Adekunle Sego, and Secretary, Usman O. Teslim. The Lagos State Government was represented by Permanent Secretary Olawale Musa and LAMATA Managing Director, Abimbola Akinajo.
Under the agreement, transport unions will be reorganised into cooperative societies to enable members transition into franchise operators, while fare collection will be fully digitised. LAMATA will continue to regulate bus routes and operations.
The programme will initially be implemented across eight Quality Bus Corridors (QBCs), with four already under development. These include Iju-Ishaga–Abule Egba, Ketu–Alapere–Akanimodo, Iyana-Iba–Igando–Iyana-Ipaja, and Ojuelegba–Lawanson–Cele.
LAMATA Managing Director Abimbola Akinajo said the agreement followed more than 30 months of discussions between the government and transport unions.
According to her, the initiative could become a model for cities around the world seeking to modernise public transportation while preserving the livelihoods of existing operators.
“Formalisation should not be construed as strangulation. When we collaborate, the result will be formidable and capable of being replicated across other parts of Nigeria and in cities around the world seeking to formalise their public transport operations,” she said.
The agreement is expected to improve the daily commuting experience for millions of Lagos residents by making bus services safer, more organised and more predictable while protecting the interests of transport workers.
FURTHER READING
- Lagos’ Internally Generated Revenue Hits ₦1.17tn in First Half of 2026
- Portable Suffers Second Straight Celebrity Boxing Defeat as Okocha Wins Fight
- Tinubu Assures Nigerians of Guardrails Against State Police Abuse
Click here to watch video of the week
