KEY POINTS

• Lagos State plans to launch a state-issued driver’s licence pending Governor Sanwo-Olu’s approval.
• Motorists will be able to choose between the federal licence and the Lagos-issued licence.
• The state also announced progress on Blue Line, Red Line, and Green Line rail transportation projects.

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to launch a state-issued driver’s licence as part of efforts to improve road safety, streamline traffic management, and ease the process of obtaining driving documentation in the state.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed this during a press briefing held in Ikeja on Monday.

According to the commissioner, the initiative is being implemented in partnership with the federal government, while Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu is expected to give final approval for the official launch within the next few weeks.

“Our Lagos driver’s licence will be launched in a couple of weeks as we get a nod from Mr Governor,” Osiyemi said.

Osiyemi explained that motorists in the state would have the option of applying for either the federal driver’s licence or the newly introduced Lagos State driver’s licence.

He noted that the move is aimed at improving efficiency in the licensing process, reducing delays, and making driver documentation more accessible to residents.

The commissioner revealed that a total of 56,876 driver’s licences were processed during the review period. This figure includes 27,067 fresh applications and 29,810 renewals handled in collaboration with the Motor Vehicle Administration Agency and the Federal Road Safety Corps.

He also disclosed that 1,158 international driving permits were issued within the same period.

Lagos expands rail transportation projects

Speaking further, the commissioner highlighted ongoing developments in the state’s rail transportation system.

He said the second phase of the Lagos Blue Line rail project, extending from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027 to enable full commercial operations.

According to him, the first phase of the Blue Line transported about 3.5 million passengers in 2025, reflecting increasing public adoption of rail transportation in the state.

On the Red Line rail project, Osiyemi said the state government had acquired 24 new train coaches arranged in three sets of eight-coach trains to improve passenger movement and operational efficiency along the corridor.

The commissioner also provided updates on the proposed Green Line rail project, describing it as a major infrastructure initiative expected to transform transportation across key commercial districts in Lagos.

He said work has intensified on the planned 68-kilometre rail line, which will connect Marina to the Lekki Free Trade Zone through Victoria Island, Lekki, Ajah, and Sangotedo.

The project is expected to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and support economic activities along the rapidly developing Lekki corridor.