The Lagos State Government has announced plans to introduce a state-issued driver’s licence in partnership with the Federal Government as part of efforts to improve road safety, ease traffic management and improve transport services across the state.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed this on Monday during the 2025 ministerial press briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja.
Osiyemi said the new initiative would allow motorists in Lagos to choose between the existing federal driver’s licence and the proposed Lagos State-issued licence when the scheme becomes operational.
According to him, the state government is working closely with federal authorities to ensure that the new licence system aligns with national standards while addressing the unique transport challenges facing Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital.
He explained that the move was aimed at improving compliance with traffic regulations, strengthening road safety measures and making the process of obtaining and renewing driver’s licences easier for residents.
The commissioner noted that many motorists currently face long waiting periods and delays during driver’s licence applications and renewals. He said the proposed state-issued licence would help reduce the pressure on the existing system and make services faster and more efficient.
Lagos, with an estimated population of over 20 million people, remains one of the busiest cities in Africa. The state records heavy vehicular movement daily, with thousands of commercial buses, private vehicles and motorcycles operating on major roads. Transport officials have repeatedly stressed the need for stronger traffic management policies to tackle congestion, road accidents and illegal driving activities.
Over the years, the Lagos State Government has introduced several traffic reforms through agencies such as the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority and the Motor Vehicle Administration Agency. The government has also increased enforcement against traffic violations, including reckless driving, fake number plates and driving without valid documents.
Giving an update on licensing activities in the state, Osiyemi said 56,876 driver’s licences were processed during the review period.
He explained that the figure included 27,067 fresh applications and 29,810 renewals handled in collaboration with the Motor Vehicle Administration Agency and the Federal Road Safety Corps.
The commissioner added that 1,158 international driver permits were also issued within the same period, showing increased demand for internationally recognised driving documents among residents.
Beyond road transportation, the Lagos State Government also provided updates on ongoing rail projects designed to improve public transportation and reduce pressure on roads across the state.
Osiyemi disclosed that the first phase of the Lagos Blue Line Rail transported about 3.5 million passengers in 2025.
The Blue Line rail project, one of the major transport infrastructure projects in Lagos, currently operates between Marina and Mile 2. The rail system was introduced to provide residents with a faster and more reliable means of transportation, especially during peak traffic periods.
According to the commissioner, work is progressing on the second phase of the Blue Line extension from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko.
He said the extension is expected to be completed and fully operational by the first quarter of 2027.
On the Lagos Red Line Rail project, Osiyemi revealed that the state government had acquired 24 additional train coaches to improve passenger operations.
He explained that the coaches were arranged into three sets of eight-coach trains to strengthen services along the corridor and increase passenger capacity.
The Red Line rail project, which connects parts of Lagos from Agbado to Oyingbo, is expected to further reduce travel time for workers and residents moving between the mainland and other parts of the state.
The commissioner also said the government had intensified work on the proposed Lagos Green Line Rail project.
The 68-kilometre rail line is expected to connect Marina to the Lekki Free Trade Zone through Victoria Island, Lekki, Ajah and Sangotedo.
The Green Line project is considered important because of the rapid population growth and rising commercial activities in the Lekki-Epe corridor. In recent years, the area has witnessed massive real estate development, increased business investments and the establishment of major projects such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port and Dangote Refinery.
The Lagos State Government has continued to invest heavily in rail transportation as part of its broader transport master plan aimed at creating an integrated system of road, rail and water transport.
Officials believe that improving public transportation infrastructure will not only reduce traffic congestion but also support economic growth by making movement easier for residents and businesses.
With the proposed state-issued driver’s licence and ongoing rail expansion projects, the government says it is focused on building a safer, faster and more efficient transport system for Lagos residents.