Lagos and the Necessity for Multi-Modal Transportation Solutions
The significant road construction efforts undertaken by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration in Lagos State are aptly underscored by the words of two prominent British politicians. Sir Alok Sharma, a member of the British Conservative Party who has held various positions in the UK government, highlighted the crucial role of infrastructure by stating, “Infrastructure is the backbone of economic growth.
It improves access to basic services such as clean water and electricity, creates jobs, and boosts business.” Additionally, former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure by saying, “You and I come by road or rail, but economists travel on infrastructure.”
Despite the perpetual demands of infrastructure development in Lagos State, given its cosmopolitan nature and the resulting strain on resources, it is undeniable that Governor Sanwo-Olu, in alignment with his campaign slogan ‘Greater Lagos Rising,’ has dedicated significant resources to enhance and connect the state with improved road networks.
Moreover, he has demonstrated more than a casual interest in facilitating a smoother commuting experience for the public by prioritizing the enhancement of roads that profoundly impact people’s daily lives.
Since assuming office, Governor Sanwo-Olu has completed and commissioned several critical road projects in Lagos State. Notable among them is the completion of 34 roads in areas such as Kosofe, Somolu, Victoria Island, and Ikoyi. In Victoria Island, three roads – Adeola Hopewell, Idowu Taylor, and Afribank/Churchgate Streets – were completed and commissioned.
Additionally, key roads in Ikoyi, including MacDonald Road/Lateef Jakande Roads, Milverton Road, and Thompson Avenue, were also finalized.
Other significant road projects that were initiated, completed, and commissioned include Phase 1 of Ijede Road in Ikorodu, the construction of a 1.4 km flyover and dual carriageway at Pen-Cinema Bridge in Agege, the Tedi-Muwo Link Bridge, Lagos-Ogun boundary Roads in Alimosho and Agbado-Oke–Odo, a network of 31 roads in Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA), and the 13.68-kilometer Oshodi-Abule-Egba BRT corridor.
The commitment to improving transportation infrastructure is evident in the ongoing construction of the 3.89-kilometer Ojota-Opebi link Bridge and other projects like Lekki-Epe Expressway, Agric-Isawo Road, Ikorodu-Bola Tinubu-Igbogbo-Imota Road, Oba Sekumade Road, Ipakodo in Ikorodu, and Itamaga to Ewu Elepe town.
Recognizing the importance of roads in a mega city, the government has reconfigured strategic roundabouts across the state, including those at Allen Avenue, Ikotun, Maryland, Lekki, and Ajah. The administration has also allocated resources to sectional rehabilitations on 361 roads and rehabilitated 650 inner roads through the Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC).
Furthermore, infrastructure enhancements include the construction of a 384-capacity multi-level car park at Onikan, Lagos, and the creation of 78 bus shelters with an additional 22 in progress.
These extensive road projects have notably alleviated traffic congestion in various parts of Lagos. The completion of the Ojota-Opebi link bridge, in particular, is anticipated to ease congestion in the Ikeja and Ojota areas, showcasing the state government’s commitment to improving transportation and infrastructure for the benefit of residents.
The Lagos-Badagry Expressway reconstruction and expansion, transitioning from four lanes to ten lanes, and the relentless pursuit of the Blue Line project are notable legacy projects that will define the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State for years to come.
These initiatives, inherited from previous administrations, underscore the commitment of the current government to comprehensive urban development and transportation infrastructure. The successful completion of these projects is poised to leave a lasting impact on the state’s landscape and contribute significantly to its future development.
The significance of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway lies in its role as a crucial link between Nigeria and neighboring countries such as Benin Republic, Ghana, Togo, and other West African nations. This strategic road not only enhances transportation but also facilitates trade and commerce across borders.
The completion of this project is poised to stimulate rapid economic development in the corridor, fostering increased business activities and trade partnerships. Additionally, it is expected to substantially improve the quality of life for residents in the region, showcasing the positive impact of infrastructure development on both local and regional scales
The extensive pressure on Lagos roads, stemming from its large population, has led experts and commentators to emphasize the importance of a comprehensive approach that integrates various means of transportation. Governor Sanwo-Olu, following in the footsteps of his predecessors but with increased determination, has pursued diverse transportation solutions in the state.
One significant initiative is the recent launch of the Lagos Red Line Rail Mass Transit, a project covering 37km that shares tracks with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC). Governor Sanwo-Olu conducted the groundbreaking on April 15, 2021, and has already acquired 10-car intra-city metropolitan speed trains for the project. As part of the project, 263 residents affected by the right of way were duly compensated.
Furthermore, the government completed the 380-meter sea-crossing bridge component of the Lagos Blue Line Rail from Mile 2 to Marina.
To further address transportation challenges, Governor Sanwo-Olu introduced LagRide, offering 1,000 units of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for users to book and share rides, promoting cost-effective commuting. The government also commissioned four bus terminals in Mafoluku, Yaba, Oyingbo, and Ajah, along with the construction of 14 new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations.
In a bid to address the challenges posed by commercial motorcycles, commonly known as ‘Okada,’ 500 units of First and Last Mile (FLM) buses were introduced.
Lagosians now benefit from the convenience of 560 high-medium capacity buses operating on standard routes. The Lagos Bus Service Limited (LBSL) marked a significant achievement by celebrating the transportation of 10 million passengers, reaching an unprecedented milestone. As of March 2022, the total number of passengers transported had risen to 20,024,985.
The LBSL has contributed to job creation, generating over 700 jobs and continuing to grow, demonstrating the positive impact of these transportation initiatives on both the economy and the livelihoods of residents.
In the quest to ensure the smooth movement of people, goods, and services within the state, the Sanwo-Olu administration has taken significant measures. One of these initiatives involved the recruitment of 1,300 officers for the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to effectively handle traffic.
Additionally, the administration installed traffic lights and CCTV cameras strategically to discourage reckless driving habits. To leverage the waterways, the Lagos State Ferry Service (LAGFERRY) now boasts a fleet of 21 boats. Eight locally made boats were commissioned on February 6, 2020, and an additional seven were added on June 22, 2021.
This expansion allows ferry services to reach Bayeku-Oke-Ira Nla – Badore and Ilaje Bariga–Victoria Island – Falomo – CMS/Marina – Ebute Ero, providing millions of Lagosians with a viable water transportation option. Jetties have been constructed at various locations, including Apa, Badagry, V1P Chalet, Badagry, Isalu, Ajido, Badagry, Ilado Amuwo Odofin, Ilashe, Amuwo-Odofin, Ito Omu Epe, Offin, Ikorodu, Takwa Bay Eti Osa, Ijede Waterfront, Ikorodu, Marina Waterfront, and Liverpool-Apapa, facilitating boat docking and mooring.
During the recent 2024 Budget Consultative Forum in Ikeja, the Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mosepefoluwa George, reported an Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of approximately N400 billion.
She expressed the state’s optimistic outlook, anticipating that this remarkable achievement could be surpassed in the future, “We’re fortunate because we are going in the right direction, and hopefully, we can continue to build on that to attract the right investments and funding to be able to independently finance our budgets and projects.”
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Undoubtedly, Governor Sanwo-Olu’s impactful work in road development has transformed Lagos into an ongoing and extensive construction site. This initiative has garnered commendations from numerous individuals who directly experience the positive effects of these projects.
Beyond the immediate benefits, Governor Sanwo-Olu is establishing his name among the ranks of iconic leaders in Lagos. His dedication to the development of the state is poised to leave a lasting legacy that will endure beyond his time in office.
