By ADERONKE OJEDIRAN

The Lagos State Government will soon introduce its driver’s licence in collaboration with the Federal Government to enhance road safety and improve service delivery.

The state Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed this on Monday during the 2026 Lagos State Ministerial Press Briefing on Monday.

The briefing is to commemorate Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s third year of second term in office.

Osiyemi said that the proposed licence would become operational within weeks and would complement the existing federal licensing framework already accessible to motorists nationwide.

He said that motorists would be free to choose between the federal driver’s licence and the Lagos-issued version under an arrangement with relevant federal authorities.

According to him, the initiative is expected to simplify documentation procedures, reduce waiting time for applicants and strengthen traffic administration and public safety across Lagos roads.

“The new licensing framework will improve operational efficiency, support digital monitoring and advance transportation reforms targeted at safer and more organised road usage statewide,” Osiyemi said.

The commissioner also said that the Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service had intensified enforcement of compulsory vehicle inspection and roadworthiness certification through technology-driven monitoring systems.

He disclosed that 1,114,080 roadworthiness certificates were issued from May 2025 till April 2026, indicating improved compliance with vehicle safety regulations among motorists.

Osiyemi added that the Lagos State Number Plate Production Authority recorded notable progress from May 2025 to April 2026 in line with the state government’s THEMES Plus Agenda.

He said that the authority sustained support for traffic management, public safety and infrastructure improvement through production of number plates and road furniture statewide.

“We remain focused on delivering quality services and products that will support the vision of making Lagos a safer, smarter and globally competitive,” he said.

The commissioner noted that some categories of traffic and directional signs were produced during the period to improve navigation and reduce road-related accidents across the metropolis.

“Signages produced include traffic control signs, cautionary signs, construction indicators, gantry structures, house number plates and street identification signs across strategic locations,” Osiyemi added.

Osiyemi said the government also strengthened transport safety through partnerships and strategic programmes coordinated by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Transportation and Logistics.

He said that Driver Care Initiative was introduced to improve the welfare, health and operational safety standards of commercial drivers in Lagos State.

“The programme provides free eye examinations, drug screening and recertification training for commercial drivers to promote safer transportation services across the state,” he said.

According to him, the initiative commenced at Lilypond Terminal, Ijora, and has expanded to additional motor parks with the target of reaching 10,000 commercial drivers.

Osiyemi also disclosed that the ministry partnered with Glovo in 2025 to distribute reflective jackets and visibility tapes to dispatch and delivery riders operating across Lagos.

He said that the initiative was aimed at improving rider visibility and reducing accidents, especially during night-time operations and poor weather conditions.

On waterways transport, he said that the Lagos State Waterways Authority intensified awareness campaigns and enforcement of compulsory life jacket usage among passengers and boat operators.

“In May 2025, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy donated life jackets to LASWA (Lagos State Waterways Authority) at Five Cowries Terminal to support safer waterways transportation,” he said.

The commissioner said that the exercise featured practical demonstrations and sensitisation campaigns conducted alongside the National Inland Waterways Authority, Marine Police and other maritime stakeholders.

It added that in June 2025, Lagos State Waterways Authority partnered with CFAO Yamaha Motor Nig. Ltd. to distribute life jackets at Liverpool and Ebute jetties.

He added that the Dangote Leadership Development Programme Cohort 11 donated adult and children’s life jackets to strengthen ongoing waterways safety advocacy efforts. (NAN)

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