Lekki Transport Project: World Bank to 'assist' LAMATA

By emmanuel MALAGU

The World Bank has concluded plans to provide Technical Assistance to the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) on the Implementation of the Lekki Green Corridor Project.

The Lekki Green Corridor Project includes Rail and Bus Mass Transit Infrastructure, Traffic Management and other Components.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Seun Osiyemi, revealed this in a Statement in Lagos.

Osiyemi noted that the provision of Rail and Bus Mass Transit in the Lekki Region was a critical part of the State’s Comprehensive Strategic Transport Master Plan (STMP).

He added that the Plan would incorporate additional Features such as a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Corridor to serve as a Feeder System to the Rail Line.

He said that this Initiative aligned with the Nigeria National Urban Mobility Programme spearheaded by the World Bank.

Osiyemi highlighted the significance of the Lekki Green Corridor Project, describing it as a top priority.

“The Lekki-Epe Axis is an emerging Central Business District (CBD) Corridor.

“The Project will complement the expansion of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) System and support Key Infrastructure Developments, including the Free Trade Zone, Port, Refinery, and Airport in the Area,” he said.

The World Bank Delegation, led by the Urban Transport Specialist and the Task Team Leader, Elkin Bello, expressed the Bank’s strong interest in contributing to the Development of Sustainable Public Transportation on the Lekki Green Corridor Axis.

Bello noted the importance of a Holistic Approach to Urban Mobility and inquired about Lagos State’s Plans for integrating the Informal Transport Sector into the City’s Formal Transportation Framework.

“It is critical to ensure that all Stakeholders, especially Informal Transport Operators, are part of the Transformation Process,” he said

Responding, the Managing Director of LAMATA, Abimbola Akinajo, provided insights into the Bus Industry Transition Programme, designed to transition Informal Operators into the Regulated System.

She recounted LAMATA’s efforts to involve Transport Union Leadership in the Development Process and noted that they had been included in Local and International Exposure Visits and Training to learn Best Practices from more Developed Urban Centers.

“Our Vision is to create an Inclusive Transportation Ecosystem that integrates Operators while ensuring efficiency and sustainability,” she said.

Akinajo expressed optimism on the potential Partnership with the World Bank, stating that with the support of the World Bank, the Lagos State Government would be taking a greater step toward achieving a world-Class Transportation System for Lagos State.

She added that this would manifest in providing a seamless and sustainable Commuting Experience for Residents.

“This Project is not just about Infrastructure; it’s about enhancing Mobility, improving Quality of Life, and driving Economic Growth in Lagos State,” she said. 

Credit NAN: Texts excluding Headline