Former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, has called on the current Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to reclaim the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system from the dominance of tricycles and minibuses and to focus on expanding the waterway transport system. Fashola made the remarks during the 2024 Lagos Physical Planning Summit on Tuesday.
Speaking on the theme, “Rethinking Lagos: A New Vision for a Regional and Integrated Megacity,” Fashola stressed the need for the government to regulate transportation operations and prioritize the BRT system for effective intermodal transport and to address climate change.
“We must reclaim the BRT from the tyranny of tricycles and minibuses,” Fashola said. He highlighted how the widespread use of motorcycles, tricycles, and minibuses on Lagos roads contradicts global climate commitments due to their high greenhouse gas emissions. “Our partners, those we signed these agreements with across the world, must be watching us with some concern,” he added.
Fashola also emphasized the importance of the BRT system, noting it was a pioneering initiative in Africa modeled after similar systems in South American countries like Brazil and Colombia.
In response, Governor Sanwo-Olu reassured Fashola that the state’s integrated public transport system remains on course. He revealed plans to introduce an additional 2,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses by 2025 to boost the BRT system and urban mass transportation. Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the challenges posed by commercial motorcycles, tricycles, and shuttle buses, and expressed the government’s efforts to reorganize them without allowing them to congest major highways.
“We believe that alternatives will be provided—adequate alternatives like rail, water infrastructure, and now the BRT that will serve commuters in Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The summit was attended by traditional rulers, permanent secretaries, commissioners, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, and stakeholders in the built environment.
