Stakeholders in the transportation industry have called for increased adoption of technology and government subsidies to transform Lagos’ transport system, with a focus on efficiency, connectivity, and sustainability.
At the seventh edition of the Lagos Transport Fest held in Lagos on Tuesday, the Managing Director of Industry Ecosystem & Platforms at Interswitch Group, Chinyere Don-Okhuofu, in her keynote address titled Enhancing Transport Ecosystem Connectivity for Growth: Technology as a Catalyst, emphasised the role of innovation in enhancing mobility.
“Technology is pivotal in bridging gaps within the transport ecosystem. By enabling connectivity and improving efficiency, we can build an ecosystem that fosters growth and ease of movement,” she said.
Also speaking, the Country Manager for Uber Nigeria, Tope Akinwunmi, highlighted the importance of partnerships and infrastructure, stating, “With the cost of fuel today, infrastructure alongside technology is key. Our vision at Uber is to be present worldwide by 2040. We are already conversing about electric vehicles and have launched Uber Comfort while converting some vehicles to compressed natural gas,” Akinwunmi stated.
Commenting on the need for incentives, the Vice President of Transport Ecosystem at Interswitch, Nnenna Ajanwachukwu, called for government subsidies to make transport more affordable and drive commuter adoption of new systems.
“To encourage behaviour change, the government must provide subsidies and incentives. Discounts can play a significant role in bridging the gap between passengers and providers,” she noted.
The special adviser to Lagos State Government on Public-Private Partnerships, Bukola Odoe, outlined the state’s ongoing efforts. “Lagos State has taken bold steps to develop its transport infrastructure. With investments in rail and waterways, including the recently secured $1.9bn for the Purple Line, we are expanding options for commuters while opening up economic opportunities,” she explained.
Also, the Chief Executive Officer of Primero Transport Services Limited, Fola Tinubu, urged the government to optimise road usage through technology.
“Lagos does not need more roads; it needs smarter solutions. For instance, we have developed an app that informs users of real-time bus locations, allowing citizens to plan their journeys better,” Tinubu said, adding that better road maintenance is also essential.
In her remarks, General Manager, Lagos State Waterways Authority, Damilola Emmanuel, spotlighted the growth of water transportation. “We now have over 40,000 daily users on Lagos waterways, supported by 50-plus jetties. With recent investments in safety and infrastructure, the government is showing a strong commitment to long-term water transport,” he stated.
The forum concluded with stakeholders urging the Lagos State Government to deepen its collaboration with private sector players and leverage technology for a more efficient and inclusive transport ecosystem.
The PUNCH reports that the Interswitch Managing Director for Payment Processing and Switching, Akeem Lawal, has described the rigid border system in Africa as an impediment to the growth of digital technology and businesses across the continent.
