The Lagos State Government says it will soon launch its own driver’s licence in partnership with the Federal Government as part of efforts to improve road safety and enhance service delivery across the state.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed this on Monday during the 2026 Lagos State Ministerial Press Briefing.
The briefing was organised to mark the third year of Gôvernor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.
Osiyemi said the new licence would become operational within the next few weeks and would function alongside the existing federal driver’s licence already available to motorists nationwide.
According to him, motorists would have the freedom to choose between the federal licence and the Lagos-issued version under an arrangement approved with relevant federal authorities.
He explained that the initiative was designed to simplify documentation processes, reduce delays experienced by applicants and strengthen 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 had intensified enforcement of mandatory vehicle inspection and roadworthiness certification through technology-driven monitoring systems.
He revealed that between May 2025 and April 2026, a total of 1,114,080 roadworthiness certificates were issued, reflecting increased compliance with vehicle safety regulations among motorists.
Osiyemi further stated that the Lagos State Number Plate Production Authority recorded significant achievements within the same period in line with the state government’s THEMES Plus Agenda.
According to him, the agency continued to support 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,” he said.
The commissioner noted that various traffic and directional signages were also produced to improve road navigation and reduce accidents across the metropolis.
He listed the items produced to include traffic control signs, cautionary signs, construction indicators, gantry structures, house number plates and street identification signs installed at strategic locations.
Osiyemi said the government also strengthened transportation safety through strategic partnerships and programmes coordinated by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Transportation and Logistics.
He explained that the Driver Care Initiative was introduced to improve the welfare, health and operational safety of commercial drivers across Lagos State.
“The programme provides free eye examinations, drug screening and recertification training for commercial drivers to promote safer transportation services across the state,” he said.
According to him, the initiative began at Lilypond Terminal in Ijora and has since expanded to other motor parks, with a target of reaching 10,000 commercial drivers.
Osiyemi also disclosed that the ministry partnered with Glovo in 2025 to distribute reflective jackets and visibility tapes to dispatch and delivery riders operating within Lagos.
He said the programme was aimed at improving visibility for riders and reducing accidents, particularly during night operations and adverse weather conditions.
Speaking on water transportation, the commissioner said the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) intensified public awareness campaigns and enforcement of compulsory life jacket usage among passengers and boat operators.
He disclosed that in May 2025, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy donated life jackets to LASWA at the Five Cowries Terminal to improve safety on inland waterways.
According to him, the exercise featured practical demonstrations and sensitisation campaigns carried out in collaboration with the National Inland Waterways Authority, Marine Police and other maritime stakeholders.
Osiyemi added that LASWA also partnered with CFAO Yamaha Motor Nigeria Ltd. in June 2025 to distribute life jackets at Liverpool and Ebute jetties.
He further stated that the Dangote Leadership Development Programme Cohort 11 donated additional life jackets for adults and children to support ongoing waterways safety advocacy in the state.
