By Lukman Olabiyi
Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling economic hub, is notorious for its severe traffic congestion. The city’s gridlock is a significant challenge, with roots in population growth, poor road infrastructure, high vehicle density, inefficient public transport, inadequate traffic management, and commercial activities crowding the limited road space.
However, according to the commissioners in the present administration, since Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu took office, he has been addressing these issues through a variety of interventions.
Upon assuming office, Governor Sanwo-Olu launched his administration with the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda, a comprehensive framework aimed at transforming Lagos. T.H.E.M.E.S stands for Transportation and Traffic Management; Health and Environment; Education and Technology; Making Lagos a 21st Century Megacity; Entertainment and Tourism; and Security and Governance. This strategic approach aims to enhance the quality of life for Lagosians by creating efficient and reliable transportation systems.
As Governor Sanwo-Olu approaches his fifth year in office, some of his commissioners have highlighted his administration’s significant strides in mitigating traffic congestion.
Mr Gbenga Omotoso, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, noted that since May 29, 2019, the administration has embarked on an ambitious infrastructure development programme to improve connectivity and ease traffic.
He said with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s multifaceted interventions, the state government has demonstrated a robust commitment to transforming Lagos into a 21st-century megacity.
In his words, the governor’s commitment in addressing traffic congestion through infrastructure development has enhanced traffic management, and the promotion of multimodal transportation and it is paving the way for a more efficient and liveable Lagos.
According to the commissioner, among the noteworthy projects is the on-going construction of the 3.89-kilometre-long Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge. The project, alongside the completion of the first phase of the Lagos Red Rail Line from Agbado to Oyingbo and the Lagos Blue Line Rail spanning from Mile 2 to Marina, marks significant progress in enhancing the city’s transportation network.
The administration has also launched LagRide with 1,000 units of SUVs and employed over 2,000 LASTMA officers to manage traffic. Strategic deployment of traffic lights and CCTV cameras, the introduction of 500 First and Last Mile (FLM) buses, and the addition of 560 high-medium capacity buses for standard routes are all part of the comprehensive traffic management strategy.
Apart from these, Omotoso said the governor also did 110 palliatives and 361 sectional rehabilitations of roads across the state, while 650 inner roads were rehabilitated by the Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC).
Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, emphasized that the administration’s proactive approach includes the identification and remediation of traffic-prone junctions through the Traffic Management Intervention Plan (TMIP).
“This plan optimizes the use of carriageways, pedestrian walkways, parks, and garages, reflecting a meticulous strategy to reform the transportation sector.
“In line with the multimodal transport system strategy, the administration is integrating various modes of transportation, including rail, water, and bus services. This integration aims to create a seamless and efficient transportation network across the state,” he said.
The commissioner also stated that the introduction of Live Camera Update by the Traffic Radio, a state owned radio station had helped in tackling perennial gridlock in the state. Osiyemi said the deployment of new technology directly connected to the radio studio was in line with the Smart City initiative of the state government.
Among what the commissioner also listed as Sanwo-Olu’s intervention and achievement includes: completion and commissioning of following roads; the first phase of the Lekki-Epe Expressway; Oba Sekumade Road, T.O.S Benson Road, Ijede Road Phase 1 Ikorodu, 34 roads at Kosofe, Somolu, network of roads at Victoria Island and Ikoyi, commissioning of 1.4 km flyover and dual carriageway Pen-Cinema Bridge, Agege; Tedi-Muwo Link Bridge, Lagos-Ogun boundary roads in Alimosho and Agbado-Oke–Odo access roads; 31 network of roads in Ojokoro Local Council Development Area; 13.68 kilometres Oshodi-Abule-Egba BRT corridor; reconfiguration of six junctions/roundabouts – Allen, Ikotun, Maryland, Lekki and Ajah.
He added that completion and commissioning of a 384-capacity multi-level car park at Onikan, Lagos had also abated the issue of illegal parking on the road in Lagos Island.
Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Mr Yacoob Ekudayo Alebiosu, highlighted the administration’s commitment to enhancing connectivity through water transportation.
“Plans are underway to construct 13 new jetties and terminals across the state in addition to what we already have. This initiative is expected to revolutionise water transportation, reduce road pressure, and enhance commerce and tourism.
“These new jetties will promote safe and easy water transportation, significantly cutting travel time and distance for communities. The administration’s focus on expanding water transportation avenues underlines its holistic approach to tackling traffic congestion and fostering economic growth.
“Looking at the infrastructural development and upgrade of the state in the past one year, it can be categorically said that the status of Lagos State has improved tremendously, ranking as one of the foremost commercial and social hub in sub Saharan Africa. This revolution could also be attributed to the massive transformation and reformative policies and programmes of the administration of Governor Sanwo-Olu,” Alebiosu said.