Lagos poised to introduce its own vehicle operator permit

The Lagos State Government is set to unveil a state-owned driver's license, developed in conjunction with the Federal Government, as a means to promote road safety and orderliness in the state, with the launch expected to take place within a few weeks.

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This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve the state's transportation system, and it will provide motorists with the option to obtain either the federal license or the new state driver's license, which aims to enhance safety and sanity on the roads.

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The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed these plans on Monday during the 2025 annual ministerial briefing, which marked the seventh year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's second term in office, held at Alausa, Ikeja.

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The state-owned license is designed to address the delays often associated with the existing process, by ensuring prompt issuance, and it will be implemented in collaboration with the Federal Government.

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In another development, the Federal Executive Council has approved funding for phase one of the Green Line rail project, a 68-kilometer rail line connecting Marina to Lekki Free Trade Zone through Victoria Island, Lekki, Ajah, Sangotedo, with 17 stations along the route.

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A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with China Harbour Engineering Company for the execution of the project, which is expected to commence in the third quarter of 2026 and will have the capacity to transport 35,000 passengers per hour.

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The Green Line project is a key component of the state's rail expansion plan, aimed at improving the daily commute of residents in the Lagos metropolis, and it will play a significant role in enhancing the quality of movement in the state.

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Regarding the LRMT red line project, a 37-kilometer rail route from Marina via Oyingbo to Agbado, phase one is currently in operation, with 24 new coaches configured as three sets of eight-coach trains, each capable of moving over 500 passengers.

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The feasibility study for phase two of the project, which will connect Oyingbo to National Theatre and link up with the Blue Line, is currently ongoing, according to Commissioner Osiyemi.