The training, held at the Staff Clinic Hall, Alausa, Ikeja, was themed “Cybersecurity in 2026: Defending Against Modern Threats in a Digital Workplace.”

It brought together personnel from multiple MDAs to improve their understanding of emerging cyber risks and modern security best practices.

The programme focused on key cybersecurity threats expected to shape the digital landscape in 2026. These included artificial intelligence-driven attacks, deepfake-enabled fraud, advanced phishing schemes, ransomware, identity theft, cloud security risks, and supply chain compromises.

Participants were taken through interactive lectures, scenario-based discussions, case studies, and practical sessions aimed at improving their ability to identify, prevent, and respond to cyber threats in the workplace.

Speaking during one of the sessions, Mr Olabanji Soledayo, Strategic Partnership manager and Cybersecurity Awareness evangelist at ESET Nigeria highlighted the growing importance of human awareness in combating sophisticated cyberattacks and safeguarding digital work environments.

He noted that individuals within organisations are a critical line of defence as attackers rely more on social engineering and identity-based tactics.

He also commended the Lagos State Government for its continued collaboration with ESET in strengthening cybersecurity capacity across its institutions.

Technical sessions at the training covered areas including email security, endpoint protection, ransomware defence, threat detection, and modern cybersecurity practices relevant to government institutions.

Speaking at the event, Mr Kadri Shamusideen, deputy director, Ministry of Science and Technology emphasized the importance of cybersecurity awareness as government services continue to undergo digital transformation.

He added that as government operations become increasingly digitised, cybersecurity awareness has become a critical component of public service delivery.

While technology provides the necessary security controls, our employees remain the first line of defence against cyber threats. Continuous education and awareness are therefore essential in ensuring that staff can identify emerging threats and respond appropriately.

Mr Kadri described the training as timely and relevant, noting that cyber threats continue to evolve in complexity and sophistication, commending the impressive turnout of participants and the support received from various MDAs across Lagos State.

According to him, strategic collaboration between government institutions and cybersecurity industry leaders remains critical to strengthening national cyber resilience.

ESET Nigeria noted that the programme forms part of its broader commitment to helping organisations across Nigeria improve cyber resilience through awareness, education, and advanced cybersecurity solutions.

The company noted that as cybercriminals increasingly adopt artificial intelligence, social engineering techniques, and identity-based attacks, employee awareness remains one of the most effective defences against modern cyber threats.

The LIFC initiative aligns with Nigeria’s Agenda 2050 and the Lagos State Development Plan 2052, to deliver long-term economic prosperity, deepen financial markets, and attract productive global investment.

The project showcases the power of public-private partnership, bringing visionary leadership from the government together with private sector companies seeking to tap into Nigeria’s young, dynamic market to deliver economic growth.

The report was launched at an event at State House Marina with guests including Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter, and EnterpriseNGR Board Chairman and CEO, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and Obi Ibekwe.

Key Highlights from the Report:

• Strategic Vision: The LIFC will support Nigeria’s ambition to become an upper-middle-income country by 2050, driving inclusive growth, reducing poverty, and creating high-value jobs, especially for Nigeria’s talented youth.
• International Collaboration: The report highlights the benefit of strong UK-Nigerian co-operation, building on best practices and global benchmarks to align the LIFC with international standards.
• Model Recommendation: The report recommends the development of an independent IFC model for Lagos, and the steps to achieve this. An IFC will deliver, regulatory clarity, simplified tax and policy settings and offer greater investor confidence and economic benefits for the wider Nigerian economy.
• Unique Selling Points: The LIFC should focus on areas which can deliver the greatest economic benefits matched to investor interest. Consultations have suggested three areas for its initial focus: Green and Sustainable Finance, FinTech & Innovation, and Commodities Trading & Capital Markets. These sectors are identified as key drivers for Nigeria’s future competitiveness and growth.
• Governance and Legal Reform: The report calls for robust legal and regulatory frameworks, an independent governance framework, and strong collaboration between Lagos State, Federal Government, and private sector stakeholders to drive the implementation of the IFC.
• Talent and Human Capital: A focus on developing domestic talent, easing visa regimes for international professionals, and building a pipeline of skilled workers will underpin the LIFC’s success.
• Tax and Incentives: Recommendations include competitive tax regimes, tailored incentives for investment that aligns to the national vision, and streamlined business processes to attract global capital.

On the report, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor, said, “Lagos is fully committed to the birth of the International Financial Centre. We know that it is a veritable means of supporting seamless trading and to enhance competitiveness of financial markets.

As Nigeria’s largest economic and financial centre, Lagos plays a critical role in driving the nation’s capital markets. We need to create an ecosystem that will help to facilitate investment flows, enhance market liquidity, and promote financial literacy.

“The LIFC initiative will not only strengthen our market infrastructure but also unlock new opportunities for public-private partnerships in technology and capital market development. It will support seamless trading, attract foreign investment and enhance competitiveness of financial markets.”

Jonny Baxter, British Deputy High Commissioner, commented; 

“The launch of the Lagos International Financial Centre report reflects the deepening of UK-Nigeria partnership, combining Lagos’s comparative strengths with UK expertise. Anchored in clear, evidence‑based analysis and launched at a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s reform journey, the LIFC has the potential to unlock major domestic and international investment, deepen capital markets, create jobs, and drive sustainable economic growth across the country, not just in Lagos State.”

Nicola Watkinson, managing director, International, TheCityUK,  said,

“Nigeria is a high-growth, dynamic and large market and the Lagos International Financial Centre could be vital to its future. By building a modern, integrated business and regulatory environment and financial ecosystem, the LIFC will support the attraction of global and domestic capital, deepen domestic markets, facilitate innovation in FinTech and green finance, and create high‑value jobs for Nigeria’s youth.

“Supporting the development of Lagos as an international financial centre is a clear example of how the UK and Nigeria are deepening their strategic partnership.”

He made this known today, Thursday, December 4, at the ongoing Art of Technology Lagos 7.0, holding at the Landmark Event Centre.

Themed “Future Technologies & a Sustainable Lagos”, AOT Lagos 7.0 marks seven years of bringing together the city’s full innovation ecosystem, including founders, developers, entrepreneurs, financiers, academia, and policy-makers. 

Over those years the state has built a solid and broad infrastructure. “We are the de facto IT department for Lagos State,” Alake said, “managing connectivity, data centres, ERP systems, smart-city implementation, and driving public-service digitisation through government.”

Among the State’s achievements he disclosed that between 2019 and 2024, Lagos-based tech startups attracted over $6 billion in funding, representing more than 70% of Nigeria’s total tech investment inflows. 

Alake said that today the ecosystem is roughly valued at $15.3 billion, with Lagos accounting for 80–90% of the country’s startups, making it “the largest startup concentration on the continent.”

He explained how the state government is supporting this boom. Through Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC), more than 75 startups have been funded, and over 85 research and development initiatives across four to five major universities are currently supported. 

Some of these initiatives have already produced commendable results, including research patents and spin-off companies in areas like climate resilience, green energy, agritech and construction tech.

In addressing infrastructure, Alake disclosed that Lagos now has about 15,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cables, having expanded connectivity by roughly 500 km per year on average. 

This fibre backbone supports public schools, hospitals, government buildings and businesses, a foundation for a truly digital Lagos.

On the public-service side, Alake pointed to the success of the Lagos State Digital Service Portal, launched at last year’s AOT. The portal has recorded over 50,000 unique visitors in the past 60 days alone, enabling citizens to file taxes, apply for planning permits or digital identity, and access other government services online. 

He said work is underway to enhance the portal into a unified gateway for all citizen and business services.

At AOT 7.0, Alake also announced the forthcoming Lagos Innovation Bill, a legal and regulatory framework designed to embed innovation in the state’s economic DNA. 

Once passed, the Bill will, among other things, require large companies in sectors such as telecoms, energy and infrastructure to collaborate with universities and research institutions when seeking solutions. 

For example, building local capacity to design base stations rather than importing equipment.

By 2030, Lagos plans to increase the contribution of IT and innovation to the state economy by 100%, and stimulate a 50% rise in scientific research and invention directed at solving Lagos-specific challenges. 

Alake said, “If you have a technical problem, Lagos is the place to solve it,” stressing that this vision requires “coordination, collaboration, and all of us, working hard, putting aside differences, and moving on shared vision.” 

He called on everyone in the ecosystem, including the government, private sector, academia, investors, and citizens, to contribute.

The ultimate goal is to make innovation a permanent feature of Lagos’ economic and social life.

Speaking at the opening of Art of Technology (AOT) 7.0 today, Thursday December 4, at the Landmark Event Centre, the Deputy Governor noted that this year’s theme, “Future Technologies & a Sustainable Lagos,” aligns with the state’s goal of building a mega-city that is digital, resilient, inclusive and competitive on a global scale.

While addressing innovators, policymakers, and partners, Hamzat shed light on measurable results from ongoing smart-city projects. 

The intelligent transport system and automated traffic enforcement have reduced traffic violations by around 30%. “With the safe-city intelligent video surveillance network, the Nigerian Police has achieved over 10 major operational successes in security, criminal investigation and traffic management,” he said, describing the impact of real-time monitoring.

Connectivity has expanded quickly. Between 2020 and 2024, the government deployed 2,500 kilometres of fibre optics, providing low-cost broadband and cloud infrastructure. 

Over 1 million homes and businesses gained new or improved connectivity in that period, supporting one of Africa’s fastest-growing data economies.

Digital governance is also evolving. More than 16 ministries, departments and agencies now offer citizen-facing services such as licensing, tax processing, permits and public records through a single portal, which receives about 10,000 daily visitors. 

Hamzat said the portal is moving toward a unified platform to make government interaction faster and more transparent.

On research and innovation, Hamzat spoke of the Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC), which has committed nearly ₦2 billion to fund innovators, researchers, and startups. 

Over 75 ventures across sectors including agritech, climate tech, construction tech and edtech have received grants or support. “That pipeline of ideas and talent is the engine of our long-term competitiveness,” he said.

Data security is also a priority. The Lagos State Cyber Security Council, the first sub-national body of its kind in Nigeria, has been commissioned to develop a cybersecurity framework for government systems, businesses and citizens. 

Its members include private-sector experts, tech company leaders, regulators and researchers. Hamzat emphasised: “We are not just building technology. We must also secure it.”

Speaking further, the Deputy Governor discussed the Lagos Innovation Bill. Once passed, it will make innovation a permanent part of the state’s economic strategy, strengthening intellectual property protection, expanding funding for research, and fostering collaboration between government, academia, and industry. Stakeholders are encouraged to contribute through innovationbill.lagosstate.gov.ng.

At AOT Lagos 7.0, Hamzat also pointed to plans for artificial intelligence in predictive governance, healthcare, traffic optimisation, water management, flood monitoring, waste management, and other areas of environmental sustainability. 

He said the state is deploying smart mobility solutions to address congestion in a city that occupies less than 0.4% of Nigeria’s land but hosts 10% of its population.

He concluded by inviting all stakeholders, including investors, researchers, private companies and citizens, to partner with the government in building a “smarter, safer, greener mega-city, a data economy that creates jobs and prosperity.”

Through these initiatives, Lagos aims to set a global example for how technology, governance and sustainability can combine to improve lives and strengthen the local economy.

That’s Ikeja’s current Computer Village, part market, part open-air challenge course for residents. Now, Lagos is saying: pack up, and move to somewhere designed for commerce, not compromise.

The State Government has confirmed that Computer Village will finally relocate to the ICT & Business Park in Katangowa, Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA. 

For more than a decade, the relocation has been on the lips of traders, officials, and developers, yet the project stalled in endless rounds of announcements and disputes. But this time, meetings are happening, plans are being redrawn, and officials insist the move is no longer a rumour but a matter of “when,” not “if.”

The official reason is this; Ikeja was never meant to house Africa’s biggest tech bazaar. What began as a cluster of phone repair stalls grew into a sprawling hub that now chokes the city with traffic, fuels environmental complaints, and keeps neighbours locked in a daily struggle against noise and overcrowding. 

The government says Ikeja must return to its residential roots, and traders deserve a space designed for their trade.

Katangowa, the proposed new home, is not pitched as a market alone but as an integrated ICT and Business Park. The blueprint includes banks, hotels, car parks, recreation centres, a fire station and police post, all connected by modern access roads and supported by digital infrastructure. 

Officials describe it as the future “Silicon Valley of West Africa,” a hub not only for hardware and software dealers but also for start-ups, training centres, and co-working spaces.

Market leaders like Iyaloja Chief Abisola Azeez have given cautious support, noting that a more organised environment could help businesses grow and attract serious investors. 

However, the traders themselves are worry. Many wonder whether customers will be willing to travel further out, whether relocation costs will cripple already strained businesses, and how supply chains, built over decades in Ikeja, will adapt to a new setting.

Part of the doubt comes from history. Traders recall how the relocation was first announced more than ten years ago, only to be delayed repeatedly. At one point, the developer contracted to build Katangowa was disengaged, leaving many traders who had already paid fees stranded and demanding refunds. This has made people wary, even as government officials now insist the project is back on track.

The timeline remains fluid. Some traders told me after yesterday’s meeting that the move may still be at least a year and a half away. The government has promised a phased approach, beginning with infrastructure rollout before gradually onboarding businesses between late 2025 and 2026.

What happens next will determine whether Katangowa becomes a triumph or another abandoned dream. If the promised infrastructure is ready on time, roads, drainage, power, and security, the relocation could transform Lagos’ tech economy, giving Computer Village traders the chance to operate in a proper business environment while also opening the door for new players in fintech and digital services. But if promises fall flat, the city risks swapping one congested hub for another half-delivered project.

So, Computer Village remains where it has always been: a noisy environment in the heart of Ikeja. But the writing is on the wall. Lagos wants change, and sooner or later, the traders will have to decide whether to embrace Katangowa or resist another government timetable.

This was disclosed by Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, where he provided updates on various partnerships the Lagos State Government has established with foreign private sector entities in waste management.

Wahab explained that the project, aimed at converting a portion of Lagos’ waste into electricity, will be implemented at the decommissioned Epe landfill, with Harvest Waste processing 2,500 to 3,000 tons daily from the 13,000 to 14,000 tons of waste generated in Lagos.

He further noted that the company only requires an assurance of this waste supply to generate power, a feasible goal given the city’s daily waste generation figures.

“The waste-to-energy project with the Dutch company Harvest Waste is backed by the Dutch government to the tune of about €120 million, and we have designated the decommissioned Epe landfill for this purpose,” the statement read in part.

His words: “We are going to guarantee them 2,500 to 3,000 tons of waste daily from the 13,000 to 14,000 tons generated in Lagos.”

He further disclosed that Harvest Waste has completed the feasibility studies for the project and has assured the Lagos State Government of its full commitment to making the venture a success Landfill decommissioning and progress on other waste management partnerships in Lagos.

He further disclosed that the Lagos State Government is actively decommissioning several landfills to make space for new waste management projects with foreign private companies, including the Jospong Group and Closing the Loop.

The Jospong Group, an Accra-based waste-to-wealth company, is focused on processing waste collected by PSP operators into valuable products like compost fertilizers and recycled plastic bins. He mentioned that all meetings have been held, and the numbers are promising.

The equipment has been commissioned, and operations are expected to begin in six to seven months. The company has already set up an office in Alausa, Lagos, employing Nigerians to manage operations.

The commissioner also highlighted the partnership with Closing the Loop, a Dutch company, which will manage electronic waste in Lagos.

Wahab revealed that Closing the Loop plans to establish a local facility to process electronic waste, reducing the need for exportation and repurposing materials within the state.

He noted that major dumpsites, such as Olusosun and Solous 1, 2, and 3, are in advanced stages of decommissioning, with new landfills being provided to support these projects.

Once these partnerships are fully operational, the government expects only 3% to 4% of the waste generated in Lagos to end up in landfills, in line with the state’s goal of turning waste into valuable resources and promoting sustainability

The Lagos State Ministry of Health hosted the pre-launch event themed “Shape Health Outcomes in Lagos Today and Tomorrow” at the Lagos Oriental Hotel Today.

While the initiative will leverage digital payment platforms to simplify the enrollment process, which starts from the public sector, and improve the efficiency of premium payments, the partnership will help in achieving universal health coverage in one of Nigeria’s most populous states. It will further ensure that more Lagosians can benefit from affordable health services.

The healthcare sector in Lagos has been known to be unreliable with challenges. According to recent statistics, only about 3% of Lagos residents are currently enrolled in any form of health insurance, leaving millions vulnerable to the financial shocks associated with out-of-pocket medical expenses. 

The high cost of healthcare, inadequate infrastructure, and a huge shortage of healthcare professionals further worsen the problem. These issues have led to poor health outcomes, with preventable diseases such as malaria and maternal mortality remaining alarmingly high. 

SHIP aims to tackle these issues by providing affordable and accessible healthcare options to the state’s underserved populations.

In his keynote address, Prof. Emmanuel Akinola Abayomi, commissioner for Health, Lagos State Ministry of Health, emphasised the transformative potential of data-driven healthcare solutions, stating that the Lagos SHIP initiative will create enhanced experiences for all healthcare stakeholders and enable residents to access quality healthcare services.

Prof. Abayomi explained, “Today is a very important day in the landscape of Lagos State’s Ministry of Health. We’ve been given the commission by His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, to proceed with the digitalisation of the health sector in the state, known as the Smart Health Information Platform, popularly known as SHIP,” he stated.

He said the SHIP project has been in development for several years, involving a detailed procurement process that led to the selection of Interswitch e’CLAT as the preferred partner. 

Dr. Wallace Ogufere, managing director of e’CLAT, appreciated the Lagos State government for selecting Interswitch as a partner in developing SHIP. He stated, “We will bring all the opportunities and experience in the financial sector to make sure this is successful. We have that experience in financial dealings and we hope to replicate that in health.

“By leveraging advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, virtual care, wearables, data analytics, and the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), Lagos SHIP will redefine the way healthcare is delivered, accessed, and experienced,” Dr. Ogufere added.

SHIP aims to interconnect all general hospitals, primary healthcare facilities, and other public health institutions in Lagos, enabling seamless data collection and exchange across the healthcare system. 

Prof. Abayomi noted, “The idea around this is to create a platform of information exchange, where data is gathered at the patient entry phase. As the patient enters into the health ecosystem, at that very point of entry, we already start to collect data, and as the patient moves through the process of the health managed care, we are gathering data at every point. That information will now be gathered into one location inside the SHIP.”

On data security, Prof. Abayomi said the Ministry of Health, alongside the Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology have been working on data security for years now, “happy to say that Lagos, State Ministry of Health and its partner agencies have been approved and accredited as compliant and able to protect the integrity and the security of our residents and our patients personal health information so that it is not accessible in an abnormal way.”

Prof. Abayomi further said the platform was carefully developed to ensure data security, resource allocation, policy formulation, and patient care. He mentioned, “We’re paying particular attention to the flexibility and the movement of information, speed of information, and as this is a public-private partnership, we are opening the floor and the opportunity to Lagosians and anybody really, to partner with the state or to partner with our concessionaires, to identify areas in which they want to contribute to the expansion the evolution and the development of the ship. 

“The SHIP is not a static thing, it will evolve as technology evolves, it will evolve as facilities come on board, and eventually, we’re going to roll it out into the private sector, so that the government has a complete picture of the health seeking behaviour of all its citizens, residents in Lagos or those visiting to access medical tourism.”

Dr. Wallace Ogufere pointed to the importance of seamless information flow in improving patient outcomes, adding, “This will then translate into better outcomes for patient care, and hopefully Lagos State will stand as a beacon of good healthcare in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.”

The Lagos SHIP Engagement Forum was organised to raise awareness for SHIP and its benefits, educate stakeholders on its functionalities, secure stakeholders’ and support for SHIP adoption, and address concerns related to data security and privacy in the Lagos healthcare ecosystem. 

Olufemi Olapegba, managing director of Digital Health Platforms Limited, provided insights into the technological framework behind SHIP. He noted the adoption of global standards for health data exchange, stating, “SHIP will comply with various regulations and standards, we’ve adopted FHIR [Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources] as the de facto standard for exchanging health data.” 

He outlined several Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that SHIP will expose, including the Patient Demography Service, Summary Care Records API, and E-Prescription Service, which are designed to enhance patient care and operational efficiency within the healthcare system.

Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, special adviser to the Lagos State Ministry of Health, reflected on the patient-centric focus of SHIP. She stated, “SHIP is going to allow us to be more patient-focused. It gives us that extra step to patient focus. SHIP allows the patient to get more information, make informed decisions, and be in control of what is going on.”

Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, permanent secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, highlighted the role of SHIP in improving healthcare management and decision-making. He explained, “As health managers, we at the top of the health chain in the ministry can see all the data analytics and it helps us to make informed decisions that will greatly impact in the right way.”

The SHIP platform is a commendable initiative in healthcare delivery across Lagos State, tackling the issues of unreliability in the current healthcare sector. 

These parks include Hog Marketing Limited in Okorisan, Epe; Nilmage Two4Seven in Poka, Epe; Goldspeed Freight Agency Ltd. opposite Dangote Refinery on Lekki Coastal Road; Diamond Star Ports and Terminal Ltd. in Abule Panu, Lekki-Epe; and Tal Concept Ltd. at HFP Brick Industry on Lekki-Epe Expressway.

The initiative is in preparation for the launch of an innovative e-call-up system on August 1, 2024, which aims to prevent the traffic issues that have plagued areas like Apapa and Tin Can Ports.

The system, driven by technology and sustainability, will regulate truck movements to ensure smoother logistics operations within the corridor.

An important component of this strategy is the mandatory installation of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags on all trucks. 

These tags will facilitate automated tracking and management of truck movements, greatly enhancing efficiency and safety. Measures such as the separation of wet and dry cargo and vehicle inspection services at the parks will also ensure compliance and simplify operations.

The e-call-up system will go beyond reducing congestion to also address environmental issues and decrease the number of accidents caused by heavy truck traffic. This is particularly important given the increased activity expected from major projects like the Dangote Refinery and Lekki Port.

To support this initiative, the Lagos State Government is also focusing on expanding the road network and implementing intermodal transport systems to enhance free movement and efficiency in one of the state’s most critical economic zones.

In anticipation of the system’s launch, a joint task force comprising state and local government agencies, security forces, and stakeholders is working to clear illegal tankers and other obstructions from the roads.

This interim measure is essential for easing current congestion and ensuring the new system’s successful implementation.

Compliance with the e-call-up system will be mandatory, with strict enforcement starting on August 7, 2024. Trucks that do not comply will be impounded.

The government emphasises the necessity of cooperation from all stakeholders, including truck operators and logistics companies, to ensure the initiative’s success. 

Active participation and commitment from these groups will be key in creating a more efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly transport environment in Lagos.

This initiative is a core component of the state’s Bus Reform Initiative (BRI), aimed at overhauling commercial bus operations to improve the commuting experience.

The primary goal of the BRI is to revamp the bus system along the Lekki-Epe axis, ensuring a more efficient and safer public transportation network. 

Under this initiative, only Danfo buses that meet VIS standards will be allowed to operate as mid-capacity buses. 

Added to this, Korope minibuses, which also must comply with VIS standards, will be integrated into the First Mile Last Mile services to serve interior roads stretching from Obalende/CMS to Ajah, specifically targeting areas like Eleko.

As part of this comprehensive reform, all participating buses will undergo roadworthiness checks to ensure they meet the required safety standards. 

To further enhance the safety and professionalism of the service, drivers will receive specialised training at the state’s driving institute. 

This training is designed to improve their driving skills and ensure adherence to best practices in road safety and passenger service.

To maintain order and efficiency on the Lekki-Epe corridor, designated routes will be assigned to these buses, with strict monitoring in place to ensure compliance. 

This measure aims to streamline bus operations, reduce traffic congestion, and improve overall traffic flow within the corridor. 

Again, the introduction of an e-ticketing system via the existing Cowry platform is expected to reduce cash transactions and expedite the boarding process, thereby enhancing passenger convenience and comfort.

The initiative also seeks to address the prevalent issue of illegal passenger pickups and unauthorised bus stops along the Lekki-Epe corridor. 

In implementing stricter regulations and more vigilant monitoring, the government aims to eliminate these practices, which contribute to traffic congestion and cause safety risks to commuters.

Transport operators on the Lekki-Epe corridor are required to register for new franchises with the Ministry of Transportation. This registration process is essential for maintaining an organised and accountable transport system, ensuring that all operators adhere to the necessary government standards and regulations.

Through these reforms, the Lagos State Government seeks to create a more organised, efficient, and safe public transportation system on the Lekki-Epe corridor, greatly improving the daily commuting experience for thousands of passengers.

Dr Olukemi Amure, Head of Bus Services at the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), announced this initiative during a recent meeting organized by LAMATA, which brought together drivers, operators, and stakeholders to discuss improvements to the city’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and other bus services.

This initiative is part of the new Lagos State Transport Policy and aims to progressively install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras on public transport vehicles over the next two years. The policy also includes the installation of CCTV cameras at key transportation points such as interchanges, bus stops, taxi ranks, freight yards, and stations. 

This development is intended to bolster the proposed modern Traffic Control Centre (TCC), which will utilize the data from these cameras to improve incident response times and overall traffic management efficiency.

According to Dr Amure, the cameras will support the TCC’s operations by enabling Automatic Incident Detection (AID), which is expected to enhance traffic management and safety across Lagos greatly. 

The footage collected will also inform the development of effective traffic management plans, helping to alleviate some of the city’s most pressing mobility challenges.

In addition to the technological upgrades, the Lagos State Government plans to establish the Lagos Transport Police (LTP) within two years. This new unit will work in collaboration with the Nigerian Police to enhance the security and efficiency of Lagos’ transportation system. 

The LTP will be responsible for monitoring transport facilities, equipment, and infrastructure, including those under construction, and will oversee the central control centre managing the CCTV network.

During the meeting, Dr Amure emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that previous efforts to equip public transport vehicles with cameras had fallen short, particularly with locally supplied buses that lacked inbuilt cameras. This new push aims to address those gaps and ensure comprehensive coverage across the city’s transport network.

Another key aspect discussed at the meeting was the need to address sexual harassment concerns within the transport system. Muiz Ogbara, another speaker at the event, highlighted the importance of the “SheCan” reporting tool and urged drivers to be vigilant and mindful of such issues.

CSP Adetayo Akerele, Head of the Lagos State Task Force, reassured attendees of the enforcement team’s commitment to maintaining order on the BRT corridors. He stressed the importance of driver cooperation and proper conduct in achieving the project’s goals.

This inclusive approach, engaging BRT drivers and various stakeholders, reflects LAMATA’s continuous efforts to improve service delivery and ensure the safety and efficiency of Lagos’ public transportation system.

Dr. Amure concluded the meeting by promising that drivers’ concerns would be addressed and encouraged them to register with LAMATA’s database for better monitoring and evaluation.