Lagos State will soon introduce its own driver's licence in collaboration with the Federal Government, aiming to improve road safety and streamline licensing for motorists. Commissioner for Transportation Oluwaseun Osiyemi announced the development on Monday during the 2026 annual ministerial press briefing at Alausa, Ikeja, marking the seventh anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's second term. The new Lagos State driver's licence will be launched within weeks and will run parallel to the existing federal licence system.
Motorists will have the option to obtain either the federal or the Lagos-issued licence under the joint arrangement. Osiyemi stated that the initiative is intended to reduce delays in licence issuance and enhance regulatory efficiency. It also supports the state's broader transport reform goals, including digital enforcement and vehicle monitoring. The commissioner highlighted the use of technology in enforcing road safety, particularly through the "No Vehicle Inspection, No Roadworthiness Certificate" policy.
Under this policy, 1,114,080 roadworthiness certificates were issued during the review period. The state also recorded 737,340 traffic violations via the Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera system, indicating increased digital surveillance. Osiyemi noted that 27,067 new driver's licences were processed, with 29,810 renewals completed, bringing the total to 56,876. Additionally, 1,158 International Driver's Permits were issued in the same period. The move aligns with Lagos's push to modernise transportation administration and strengthen road safety enforcement.
The same government that cites 737,340 traffic violations as proof of improved enforcement is now creating a parallel driver's licence system that could complicate regulation. If the federal and state licences operate side by side without full integration, motorists may exploit gaps in oversight. This raises questions about whether duplication will enhance compliance or enable new loopholes. The success of the scheme depends on clarity, not competition, between the two tiers of government.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
