By Seun Ibiyemi
The Lagos State Government has taken a major step towards reforming its public transportation system with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with key transport unions to commence the Bus Industry Transition Programme (BITP).
The agreement, signed by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation (MOT), the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), marks the official commencement of the programme aimed at modernising and formalising bus operations across the state.
L-R: Chairman RTEAN, Comrade Samson Ajala Adepeju, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Transportation Mr. Olawale Musa, Managing Director LAMATA Engr. Abimbola Akinajo and Chairman NURTW, Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle Sego during the Bus Industry Transition Program; sign off ceremony held on Wednesday 5th August, 2026 at the Ministry of Transportation’s conference room
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Olawale Musa, described the BITP as a legacy initiative designed to integrate the formal and informal transport sectors into a unified system.
He said the programme would be implemented gradually and called on transport unions to actively collaborate with the government to ensure its successful execution.
According to him, the ultimate objective is to make public transportation safer, more efficient and more convenient for millions of Lagos commuters.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, Engr. Abimbola Akinajo, said the initiative seeks to modernise and formalise the state’s informal public transport sector by integrating traditional transport operators into a structured and regulated system.
She urged members of the transport unions to embrace the programme, noting that their participation would be critical to building a more efficient and sustainable transportation network across Lagos.
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In separate remarks, the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lagos State, Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle Sego, and the Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Comrade Samson Ajala Adepeju, welcomed the initiative and pledged the full support of their respective unions.
They assured the Lagos State Government of their commitment to ensuring the smooth implementation and success of the Bus Industry Transition Programme.
The signing of the MoU represents a significant milestone in the state’s drive to improve urban mobility and create a more organised, efficient and sustainable public transport system.
