The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) took center stage at the EU-Africa Business Summit, as its Managing Director, Engr. Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo spotlighted the agency’s over 20-year journey in transforming urban mobility in Lagos.
Speaking on a high-level panel on urban mobility, Akinajo outlined the strategic framework that has positioned Lagos as a leading model for integrated transport systems across Africa.
She emphasized that addressing urban congestion goes beyond infrastructure expansion, stressing the importance of strong institutional coordination.
According to her, Lagos State made a bold and pioneering move over two decades ago by establishing LAMATA as a central authority responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing public transport infrastructure as well as franchise transport operations.
At the heart of LAMATA’s operations is the Strategic Transport Master Plan—a comprehensive blueprint that has guided the evolution of Lagos’ public transit system over the years.
Akinajo reiterated that “we cannot solve congestion by building more roads,” advocating instead for smarter, more efficient ways of moving people. By prioritizing multimodal integration, she noted, LAMATA continues to deliver safer, faster, and more reliable transportation options for residents, reducing dependence on traditional road travel.
