The Lagos State Government has announced plans to introduce a state driver's licence in collaboration with the federal government, aiming to enhance transportation management and road safety across the state.
New Driver's Licence Initiative
Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, made the announcement during the 2026 ministerial press briefing held in Alausa, marking the seventh anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's second term administration. The proposed licence is expected to simplify the application process for motorists while strengthening traffic regulation throughout Lagos.
According to Osiyemi, the partnership with the federal government will support measures to improve compliance with driving standards and road safety requirements. The initiative is part of broader efforts to address transportation challenges in the state.
Parking Zoning Scheme
The commissioner also outlined new steps to tackle congestion and improve parking operations in major commercial areas. The Lagos State Parking Authority has divided the regulated on-street parking scheme into five zones: Ikeja, Ikoyi, Lekki, Victoria Island, and Surulere.
Authorities believe the zoning arrangement will improve traffic flow and reduce indiscriminate parking in busy districts. The system is also expected to help motorists locate parking spaces more easily while enhancing monitoring and enforcement activities. Officials added that the structured parking framework will improve operational efficiency for businesses in high-traffic areas.
Recent Transportation Reforms
The state government has introduced various transportation reforms in recent years as Lagos faces growing pressure from population increase, road congestion, and urban mobility challenges. The new driver's licence and parking scheme are the latest measures in this ongoing effort.
Previously, Lagos announced plans to introduce paid parking on selected roads before the end of 2026. The Lagos State Parking Authority revealed this during a stakeholder meeting with Ikeja Local Government Area officials. The On-Street Parking Scheme will first be tested in councils including Ikeja.
General Manager of LASPA, Adebisi Adelabu, stated that the initiative will regulate roadside parking, improve traffic movement, and create employment opportunities for residents in participating communities. Parking administration was previously handled by local councils before being transferred to LASPA by the Conference of the 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas.
Adelabu urged councils to support the programme, noting that cooperating LGAs and LCDAs would benefit from the arrangement. She also confirmed that LASPA remains open to stakeholder recommendations ahead of the rollout.
