World Bank, LAMATA explore partnership on Lekki Green Transport Corridor project
The World Bank Transport Team and Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) have commenced discussion on the possibility of providing technical assistance to LAMATA on the implementation of its Lekki Green Corridor Project.
The Lekki Green Corridor Project includes Rail and Bus Mass Transit infrastructure, Traffic Management and other components.
The provision of Rail and Bus Mass Transit in the Lekki region is a critical part of State’s comprehensive Strategic Transport Master Plan (STMP), incorporating additional features such as a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor to serve as a feeder system to the rail line. This initiative aligns with the Nigeria National Urban Mobility Program spearheaded by the World Bank.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Seun Osiyemi who was also visited by the World Bank Transport Team, highlighted the significance of the Lekki Green Corridor project, describing it as a top priority.
He emphasized that the Lekki-Epe axis was 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.
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.
He 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 stated during the discussions.
In response, the Managing Director of LAMATA, Engr. Mrs. 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 have been included in both local and international exposure visits and trainings 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.
Engr. Akinajo expressed optimism on the potential partnership with the World Bank, stating, “We believe that with the support of the World Bank, we would be taking a greater step towards our goal of achieving a world-class transportation system for Lagos State, providing a seamless and sustainable commuting experience for all residents.”
The World Bank team was taken on a site inspection of the Lekki Green corridor for a first experience of its extant state.
Engr. Akinajo added, “This project is not just about infrastructure; it’s about enhancing mobility, improving quality of life, and driving economic growth in Lagos State.”
The team lead, Elkin Bello, promised to distil the information gathered, along with insights from the site inspection, in its report.