Lagos State motorists may soon stop waiting months or years for their driver's licences, as the government plans to introduce a new system in 2027 that will cut renewal time to 10 minutes and new licence processing to 30 minutes.
Rasheed Muri-Okunola, Permanent Secretary of the Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA), disclosed this at the 2026 media parley organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation.
Automated System to Cover Licences, Vehicle Documentation
He said the government was testing the system ahead of its planned launch, adding that it would enable applicants to complete preliminary procedures from home before visiting designated centres for biometric registration and other mandatory processes.
The initiative is designed to reduce delays in driver's licence issuance, as some motorists have reportedly waited months or even years to receive their licences after making payments.
Muri-Okunola explained that the state government had entered into a concession agreement with a consultant to automate the agency's operations.
Beyond driver's licences, the initiative will cover vehicle documentation and number plate processing, potentially reducing the need for motorists to make multiple visits to government offices to complete administrative procedures.
Rail Expansion and Bus Corridor Plans
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Abimbola Akinajo, announced plans to expand the Lagos Blue Line with three additional stations.
According to her, the stations at Alakija, Festac and Trade Fair are expected to become operational by the end of February 2027.
The expansion will extend the railway beyond its current terminus at Mile 2, while the state's long-term plan is to take the line to Okokomaiko.
Akinajo also disclosed that three additional eight-car train sets were expected to join the Lagos Red Line fleet in November 2026.
The new trains are expected to increase daily services from nine to 20 initially, with a further rise to 28 services planned before the end of 2027.
In addition, four major quality bus corridors, including their associated terminals and depots, are expected to be completed by February 2027.
The planned improvements form part of the state's broader efforts to expand public transportation capacity, improve commuter convenience and strengthen connections across Lagos.
