Lagos State Ministry of Transportation (MOT), the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to officially commence the Bus Industry Transition Programme (BITP).

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Wednesday at a ceremony attended by key stakeholders in the transportation sector, marking a significant milestone in the State Government’s efforts to modernise and improve public transportation across Lagos.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olawale Musa, described the Bus Industry Transition Programme as a legacy initiative designed to align both the formal and informal transport sectors. He explained that the programme would transform public commuting in Lagos through a gradual implementation process, while calling on transport unions to actively collaborate, participate in, and support the initiative.

According to him, the ultimate objective of the programme is to make daily commuting easier, safer, and more efficient for Lagosians.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Engr. Abimbola Akinajo, stated that the BITP is an initiative aimed at modernising and formalising Lagos’ informal public transport sector by integrating traditional transport operators into a structured and regulated transport system. She urged members of the transport unions to embrace the initiative and fully key into the programme to foster a more efficient and sustainable transportation system across the State.

In their 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, expressed their delight at being part of the initiative.

They pledged the full support of their respective unions and assured the Lagos State government of their commitment to ensuring the smooth implementation and success of the Bus Industry Transition Programme.