The Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Engr. (Mrs.) Abimbola Akinajo, today delivered a comprehensive lecture at the second edition of the “Endowed Professional Chair of Transport Studies” at Lagos State University (LASU).
Her presentation, entitled “Transport Infrastructure Delivery and Sustainable Development of Lagos State: The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) Experience,” provided a detailed overview of the agency’s evolution, achievements, and future strategies.
During her insightful lecture, Engr. Akinajo chronicled LAMATA’s journey, highlighting significant milestones across its bus, rail, and non-motorized transport sectors. She emphasized the pivotal role of visionary leadership, specifically recognizing the foundational work of the then Governor of Lagos State and current President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, in LAMATA’s success story.
Looking ahead, Engr. Akinajo made an exciting announcement regarding the Blue Line rail. She stated that LAMATA is on track to reduce the current headway to 10 minutes soon, with plans to further decrease it to every five minutes upon the arrival of new trainsets. Ultimately, the frequency could potentially reach as low as every three minutes, significantly enhancing the rail’s capacity and convenience for commuters.
Since its commercial launch, the Blue Line has already served about four million passengers, underscoring its growing importance in Lagos’ transport network.
Turning to bus operations, Engr. Akinajo expressed her gratitude for the continuous partnership with transport unions, who were present at the lecture. She acknowledged their crucial role in the ongoing Bus Reform Initiative Program (BRITP), which aims to modernize and improve bus services across the state.
The well-attended event drew a distinguished audience comprising leading figures in transport, academia, government officials, and key stakeholders. Notable attendees included representatives of the Commissioners for Transportation in Lagos and Ogun states, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde (Former Commissioner for Transportation, Lagos State), Professor Oseni Taiwo Afisi (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, LASU, who represented the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello), Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel (General Manager, Lagos State Waterways Authority – LASWA), Prof. Bamidele Badejo (LASG-Endowed Professorial Chair in Transport Studies), Professor Charles Asenime (Dean, School of Transport & Logistics, LASU), and Dr. Fatai A. Yakeen.
The lecture provided a valuable platform for sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration in the pursuit of sustainable urban mobility in Lagos State.
