The Lagos State Government has announced plans to introduce its own state-issued driver's licence after securing approval from the Federal Government. This marks a significant shift in the state's transportation and traffic management system, aimed at improving road safety and reducing processing delays.
Commissioner Announces Plans
Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed the initiative during a press briefing in Ikeja on Monday, May 11, 2026. He stated that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is expected to give final approval for the rollout within the next few weeks.
“Our Lagos driver’s licence will be launched in a couple of weeks as we get a nod from Mr Governor,” Osiyemi said.
Motorists to Choose Between Federal and State Licences
Osiyemi explained that residents will have the flexibility to choose between obtaining the regular federal driver’s licence and the new Lagos-issued driver’s licence. The move aims to improve operational efficiency and reduce long waiting periods for applicants.
The commissioner noted that Lagos has continued to experience heavy demand for driver’s licences, necessitating a more efficient system. During the review period, the state processed 56,876 driver’s licences in collaboration with the Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). This figure includes 27,067 fresh applications and 29,810 renewals, along with 1,158 international driving permits.
Officials believe the introduction of a Lagos-specific licence will ease administrative pressure and strengthen traffic monitoring across the state.
Blue Line Rail Hits 3.5 Million Passengers
Beyond driver’s licensing, the state government provided updates on rail transportation projects. Osiyemi revealed that the first phase of the Lagos Blue Line Rail recorded 3.5 million passengers in 2025, highlighting rising public adoption of rail transport.
The second phase of the Blue Line project, stretching from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027. Once finished, the full route will begin commercial operations, providing wider connectivity for commuters.
Red and Green Line Projects Gain Momentum
The commissioner also disclosed that the state government has procured 24 new train coaches for the Red Line project to improve passenger movement. The coaches are arranged in three sets of eight-coach trains, significantly boosting transport capacity.
Work is also progressing on the 68-kilometre Green Line Rail project, which will connect Marina to the Lekki Free Trade Zone. The proposed route will pass through key commercial and residential hubs, including Victoria Island, Lekki, Ajah, and Sangotedo. The project is expected to transform commuting in Lagos and support the state’s long-term vision of an integrated transport system.
Lagos Breaks Power Monopoly
In a related development, the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC) has issued 14 new electricity licences and permits to private firms in power generation, metering services, independent distribution, and mini-grid operations. This marks a major shift in the state’s electricity market, introducing stronger competition for major distributors like Ikeja Electric and Eko Electricity Distribution Company, and boosting power supply reliability.
The licences were presented by Alexander Ogunbiyi, chairman of LASERC, alongside CEO Temitope George, during the commission’s maiden stakeholder engagement on May 7 in Lagos.
