LASWA Calls For Homegrown Multimodal Transport Model

By Stella Okocha

The Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA, has called for a homegrown multimodal transport model that reflects Nigeria’s peculiar needs rather than importing foreign systems.

Assistant Chief Occupational Safety Officer and HSSE Unit, Mr. Shittu Oladimeji, made the call during a panel session at the 2nd JustNet Transport Summit on Friday, October 23, 2026, in Lagos, where stakeholders discussed rail-led multimodal integration and the need to improve freight and passenger transportation.

Oladimeji said developing an effective multimodal transport system requires proper infrastructure planning, strategic location of facilities, interconnectivity and safety.

He said construction of rail lines, ports and road terminals alone will not guarantee efficient transportation if facilities are not located where they can serve their intended purposes.

According to him, goods often originate from road-connected locations before being transferred to rail, so transport infrastructure must be positioned to support movement of goods and passengers across different modes.

Oladimeji, who represented the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy, Mr. Oludamilola Emmanuel, said Lagos State Government is promoting integrated transport system that connects road, rail and waterways, allowing commuters to combine different modes.

Citing the Cowry Card payment system, he said commuters can use one payment platform for Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, rail and boat services.

He explained that a commuter travelling from Ikorodu to Okokomaiko can take a road vehicle to a jetty, travel by boat to Marina, connect to train to Mile 2 and complete journey by road.

According to him, such integration provides alternative routes and helps avoid road traffic congestion.

Oladimeji maintained that Nigeria does not necessarily need to import another country’s transport model, but can develop a system based on its own circumstances and needs.

He urged Federal and Lagos State governments to ensure infrastructure projects are fit for purpose and properly maintained.

On safety, he said public confidence is essential to adoption of any transport mode, noting people are more likely to use a system they consider safe.

He cited Lagos waterways as example, saying perceived safety of water transportation has encouraged more patronage.

“Then you also need to consider the safety of whatever you are going to build, because what will drive people to a particular mode of transport is safety. When people have confidence in a particular mode of transport, they tend to use it more. Just like in Lagos State, for example, and if you look at the Lagos Waterway, for example, people are now coming to Lagos Waterway because of the perceived safety that exists in that waterway,” Oladimeji said.