The Lagos State Government has announced plans to establish a dedicated rail academy aimed at building local capacity in the transportation sector.
The Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, revealed this on Tuesday during a panel session at the second Lagos Traffic Conference, held to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
Themed “Enhancing Traffic Efficiency and Safety on Lagos Roads: Challenges, Opportunities and Innovations,” the conference spotlighted strategic ideas to ease the city’s mobility challenges.
Dr. Hamzat said the proposed rail academy would be a hub for training Nigerians in various aspects of railway operations and management. The initiative, he added, is expected to reduce the country’s reliance on foreign expertise and imports in the railway sector.
“It will be a place where we train our people to do all sorts of things in rail development,” Hamzat stated. “This is part of our strategy to make Lagos a global centre for human capital.”
He emphasized that the academy is not just a facility but a step toward transforming Nigeria’s transport future and equipping citizens with the skills necessary to drive innovation and self-reliance in the sector.
This, he said, would be achieved through the state’s 30 years development plan.
On the operational efficiency of LASTMA, Hamzat noted that LASTMA has evolved through the years and have embraced the use of technology.
“LASTMA does not need to pursue vehicle anymore when there are offenders, we have a means of arresting them through the use of technology,” he said.
He urged Lagos residents to embrace the work LASTMA does and see them as partners in progress, stressing that if LASTMA was removed from the roads in a week, it would lead to chaos.
Mr Ayo Olowookere, the Chief Executive Officer, Imperial Homes Mortgage Bank, who spoke on private sector participation in LASTMA activities, said private sector would want to see value for their money.
“The private sector wants to see clarity that comes with precise planning and consistency, for opportunities that they can tap into, like the use of drones,” he said.
Olowookere urged the Lagos State Government to look into establishing the Lagos State Traffic Management Trust Fund to ensure manpower moves.
Also, Mr Babajide Otitoju, Senior Journalist at the Television Continental News, said some problems LASTMA was accused of should be directed to government.
“We need to appreciate the quality of work LASTMA is doing, it is not easy at all.
“Lagos is constantly expanding and for LASTMA to work effectively there is a need to build roads that will ease the movement of vehicles and commuters around the state.
“For LASTMA to be in the eyes of people, there should be constant community engagement,” he added.
