The Lagos State Government has announced plans to introduce a state-owned driver’s licence in partnership with the Federal Government as part of efforts to improve road safety and traffic management across the state.
Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed this on Monday during the 2025 ministerial press briefing marking Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s seventh year in office. The event was held in Alausa, Ikeja.
According to Osiyemi, the new driver’s licence initiative is expected to begin within the next few weeks.
He explained that motorists would have the option of choosing between the existing federal driver’s licence and the new Lagos State-issued licence.
“The project, which would be implemented in collaboration with the FG, is optional for motorists to obtain the Federal license or the new state driver’s license aimed at enhancing safety, sanity, among others, on the roads,” he said.
Osiyemi added that the new system is expected to reduce delays often associated with the current licence issuance process and improve efficiency for motorists.
The commissioner also revealed that the Federal Executive Council has approved funding for the first phase of the Lagos Green Line rail project, with construction expected to begin in the third quarter of 2026.
The Lagos Rail Mass Transit Green Line project will cover 68 kilometres, stretching from Marina to the Lekki Free Trade Zone through key locations including Victoria Island, Lekki, Ajah and Sangotedo, with about 17 stations planned along the route.
According to Osiyemi, the state has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China Harbour Engineering Company for the execution of the project.
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“The Green Line, designed to transport 35,000 passengers per hour, the funding for phase 1 of the project was approved by the Federal Executive Council as announced by Mr. Governor,” the commissioner stated.
He explained that the Green Line forms part of Lagos State’s broader transportation expansion strategy aimed at improving movement and reducing traffic congestion within the city.
Speaking further on rail transportation, Osiyemi said the Lagos Red Line project, which spans 37 kilometres from Marina through Oyingbo to Agbado along the Nigerian Railway Corporation corridor, has already seen progress in its first phase currently in operation.
He noted that the state recently procured 24 additional coaches arranged into three sets of eight-coach trains capable of carrying more than 500 passengers each.
The commissioner also disclosed that feasibility studies are ongoing for phase two of the Red Line project, which will link Oyingbo to the National Theatre and connect with the Blue Line rail system.