The Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led government in Lagos State has concluded plans to introduce its own driver’s licence in collaboration with the Federal Government as part of efforts to improve road safety and service delivery.
Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed this during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing marking Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s third year in his second term.
Osiyemi said the new licence would become operational within weeks and would complement the existing federal driver’s licence currently in use across the country.
According to him, motorists would be allowed to choose between the federal licence and the Lagos-issued version under an arrangement with relevant federal authorities.
He said the initiative was aimed at simplifying documentation processes, reducing waiting time for applicants and strengthening traffic administration in the state.
“The new licensing framework will improve operational efficiency, support digital monitoring and advance transportation reforms targeted at safer and more organised road usage statewide,” Osiyemi said.
The commissioner also disclosed that the Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service intensified enforcement of compulsory vehicle inspection and roadworthiness certification through technology-driven monitoring systems.
He said 1,114,080 roadworthiness certificates were issued between May 2025 and April 2026, reflecting improved compliance with vehicle safety regulations.
Osiyemi added that the Lagos State Number Plate Production Authority recorded progress within the same period in line with the state government’s THEMES Plus Agenda.
According to him, the authority sustained support for traffic management, public safety and infrastructure development through the production of number plates and road furniture across the state.
“We remain focused on delivering quality services and products that will support the vision of making Lagos a safer, smarter and globally competitive city,” he said.
He noted that traffic control signs, cautionary signs, construction indicators, gantry structures, house number plates and street identification signs were produced to improve navigation and reduce road accidents.
On transport safety, the commissioner said the state government strengthened partnerships and programmes coordinated by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Transportation and Logistics.
He disclosed that the Driver Care Initiative was introduced to improve the welfare, health and operational safety standards of commercial drivers.
According to him, the programme provides free eye examinations, drug screening and recertification training for commercial drivers.
Osiyemi said the initiative, which began at Lilypond Terminal, Ijora, had expanded to other motor parks with a target of reaching 10,000 commercial drivers.
He also revealed that the ministry partnered with Glovo in 2025 to distribute reflective jackets and visibility tapes to dispatch and delivery riders across Lagos to improve safety during night operations and adverse weather conditions.
On waterways transportation, Osiyemi said the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) intensified awareness campaigns and enforcement of compulsory life jacket usage among passengers and boat operators.
He said the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy donated life jackets to LASWA in May 2025 at Five Cowries Terminal to support waterways safety.
According to him, the exercise featured practical demonstrations and sensitisation campaigns conducted alongside the National Inland Waterways Authority, Marine Police and other maritime stakeholders.
He added that LASWA also partnered with CFAO Yamaha Motor Nigeria Ltd. in June 2025 to distribute life jackets at Liverpool and Ebute jetties.
Osiyemi further disclosed that the Dangote Leadership Development Programme Cohort 11 donated adult and children’s life jackets to support waterways safety advocacy in the state.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
