Lagos to Launch State Driver’s License, Expand Rail Network

Lagos to Launch State Driver’s License, Expand Rail Network

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to introduce a state-owned driver’s license in collaboration with the Federal Government as part of wider efforts to improve road safety, reduce delays in license issuance and strengthen transportation management across the state.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed this during the 2025 annual ministerial press briefing held at Alausa, Ikeja, where he highlighted key achievements and ongoing transportation projects under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

According to Osiyemi, the proposed Lagos State driver’s license will operate alongside the existing federal driver’s license system, giving motorists the option to choose between both platforms.

He explained that the initiative was designed to ensure sanity, accountability and improved safety on Lagos roads while also addressing persistent complaints about delays associated with the current licensing process.

“The project will ensure prompt issuance as against the usual delays being experienced with the existing process,” the commissioner stated.

Osiyemi disclosed that within the review period, the state processed a total of 56,876 driver’s licenses in partnership with the Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

The figure, according to him, included 27,067 fresh applications and 29,810 renewals, while an additional 1,158 international driver permits were also processed during the same period.

The commissioner noted that the new licensing initiative aligns with the state government’s broader transport reform agenda focused on digitisation, traffic management and enhanced service delivery.

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He added that discussions with federal authorities had reached advanced stages and the scheme is expected to commence after regulatory approvals and final operational frameworks are completed.

Blue Line Rail Expansion

On rail transportation, Osiyemi said the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line recorded over 3.5 million passengers in 2025, reflecting growing public acceptance of the rail system as an alternative to road transportation.

He disclosed that Phase Two of the Blue Line extension from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko would be completed in the first quarter of 2027, paving the way for full commercial operations on the corridor.

The Blue Line project, which currently runs from Marina to Mile 2, is one of the flagship rail projects aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving mass transit within Lagos.

The commissioner added that work on supporting infrastructure around rail stations and multimodal transport integration was ongoing to improve passenger convenience and accessibility.

Red Line Gets New Coaches

Osiyemi further revealed that the state government had procured 24 new train coaches for the Red Line corridor.

According to him, the coaches have been configured into three sets of eight-coach trains to strengthen operations, increase passenger capacity and improve commuting experience for residents using the corridor.

The Red Line rail system, which connects Agbado to Oyingbo, forms part of Lagos State’s integrated transportation master plan designed to reduce travel time and ease pressure on major roads.

Green Line Project Advances

The commissioner also disclosed that the government had intensified work on the proposed 68-kilometre Green Line Rail project expected to connect Marina to the Lekki Free Trade Zone through Victoria Island, Lekki, Ajah and Sangotedo.

He said the Green Line would serve rapidly growing commercial and residential districts along the Lekki corridor and support economic activities linked to the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Dangote Refinery and Free Trade Zone.

Osiyemi added that the state had already signed agreements with international partners and investors for the execution of the project, while feasibility studies and funding arrangements were progressing.

Transportation analysts say the expansion of rail infrastructure and reforms in road transportation management could significantly ease Lagos traffic challenges if fully implemented.

Lagos to Launch State Driver’s License, Expand Rail Network