Lagos shifts focus to rail, BRT, ferries in 2050 mobility plan

Lagos State is set to overhaul its long-term transportation strategy, prioritising rail systems, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and ferry services over road expansion under its updated 2050 mobility master plan.

The shift was disclosed by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority following a high-level stakeholders’ workshop to revise the state’s Strategic Transport and Mobility Master Plan (STMMP).

According to the agency, the move reflects a major policy rethink aimed at tackling worsening congestion, improving connectivity, and preparing for rapid population growth, with Lagos projected to reach about 45 million residents by 2050.

Speaking at the event, Lagos Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the state can no longer depend on road construction alone to solve its mobility challenges.

He explained that the revised strategy will anchor on mass transit, with a strong focus on expanding rail infrastructure, strengthening BRT systems, and developing structured ferry services into a fully integrated, multimodal network.

LAMATA Managing Director, Abimbola Akinajo, noted that Lagos currently records over 20 million daily trips, highlighting the scale of transport demand across the state.

She added that new multimodal surveys and a travel demand model have been developed to guide long-term planning and infrastructure investments, with stakeholder collaboration playing a central role in shaping the updated blueprint.

The state’s transport challenges have intensified over the years due to rapid urbanisation and heavy reliance on road networks, leading to persistent congestion and long commute times.

Under the revised framework, Lagos plans to modernise its public transport system with cleaner energy buses, improve last-mile connectivity, and reduce dependence on private vehicles.

The broader mobility plan includes six rail lines, with parts of the Blue and Red lines already operational, while additional phases remain under construction. A proposed Green Line project is also in development.

Tinubu endorses Hamzat for 2027 Lagos governorship bid

On waterways, the €410 million Omi Eko project is expected to introduce 15 ferry routes, 25 terminals, and more than 75 electric ferries, with a projected capacity of up to 25 million passengers annually.

Officials say the transition to a multimodal system will improve efficiency, expand access, and support sustainable urban growth in one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities.