Hamzat promises more BRT buses, rail expansion to tackle Lagos traffic
Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has pledged to strengthen the state’s integrated transportation system to reduce traffic congestion and travel time if elected governor.
Hamzat made the pledge on Tuesday during separate interviews with Lagos Television (LTV), Eko FM 107.5 and Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1 at Agidingbi, Lagos, where he outlined plans to integrate road, rail and waterways to improve mobility.
He said an efficient transportation system was essential to the development of other sectors, including housing, education, business and youth development. He promised to provide more Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses, decongest bus stops and improve emergency response to road accidents to prevent prolonged traffic gridlock.
The deputy governor also pledged to complete the Blue Line rail extension to Okokomaiko and connect it to the Red Line at the National Theatre, Iganmu. He said the proposed connection would improve access to Marina for commuters from areas such as Yaba and Agege, while residents along the Okokomaiko corridor, including Lagos State University students, would benefit from better rail connectivity.
On water transportation, Hamzat said the Omi-Eko project would provide seven electric ferries, five of which had been delivered, to expand commuting options. “Lagos is a water state, and as such, we must utilise the lagoon as a network of water routes so that at least we can move a lot of our people on water as we are moving on roads, and of course on rail too,” he said.
Speaking on the proposed Fourth Mainland Bridge, Hamzat said the project could be delivered through partnerships with private-sector investors, stressing the need for caution in borrowing to finance major infrastructure projects.
He explained that the bridge’s design and costing had been undertaken with private-sector involvement, while negotiations had been held with prospective concessionaires. He added that clear public-private partnership agreements, including tolling arrangements, would be necessary to support investors’ participation and ensure the project’s delivery.
Hamzat also called for improved traffic management during accidents and road repairs, noting that prompt responses from security operatives and relevant agencies would help prevent severe congestion.
