Transport Sector Reform: LASG Seeks Organised Private Sector’s Collaboration

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat has called for the collaboration of the Organized Private Sector with the Lagos State Government in the ongoing transport sector reform to fast track its success.

The Deputy Governor stated that the collaboration became necessary so as to achieve an efficient transport system that would meet the transport needs of over 20 million Lagosians in an emerging smart city.

Dr Hamzat, who made the call at the Year 2019 Lagos Transport Fest Conference held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, stated that achieving sustainable transport system has always posed a great challenge in mega cities around the world, adding that the state government is committed to creating an enabling environment that would attract private sector participation in the ongoing reforms so as to make the vision of a Multi-Modal Transport System easily realizable.

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Represented at the event by the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, the Deputy Governor commended the organizers of the event for their concerns and positive thinking towards a new Lagos with an improved transport system that will meet the international best standard practice.

Speaking on the theme “Sustainable and Equitable Transport: The Role of Government and Private Sector Stakeholders”, the Deputy Governor disclosed the plans of the State Government to make the public transport system more attractive and investors friendly, noting that transportation is an integral part of the nation’s economic growth.

Dr. Hamzat, while urging people to support the present administration in the ongoing reforms in the transport sector, stated that plans have commenced to improve the public transport system, including the ongoing formulation of the transport policy which he said would continually dictate the goals and objectives of a viable multimodal system.

He disclosed that the Lagos State Government has commenced an intelligent transport system to save commuters travel time, adding that data is required to study travel patterns in order to effectively plan the development of mobility in the nearest future.

The Deputy Governor stated further that in achieving its multi-modal transport policy, the state government has created an open platform for private investors including countries like Netherlands and China, to collaborate in the transport sector, adding that such effort is already yielding positive result, especially with the expression of interest in investing in water and rail transportation.

Hamzat further stated that traffic management is wearing a new face with Special Task Force approach comprising of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Lagos State Neighborhood Corps (LSNC), Lagos State Task Force and the Nigerian Police Force to ensure safety and security of commuters, adding that the success of the taskforce will endear the citizenry to volunteer and participate freely in the traffic laws enforcement.