According to Vanguard, The Lagos State Government officially launched the interstate park accreditation and passenger manifest digitization system on Friday, aimed at enhancing the safety of travelers and creating a more efficient and secure database. The initiative was unveiled during a media briefing at Alausa, Ikeja, by the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa.
Osiyemi emphasized that the project marks a significant step in modernizing interstate travel by transitioning from an analog to a digital system. He explained that the goal is to improve safety and efficiency for travelers entering and leaving the state, while also streamlining operations at interstate parks.
“The goal of this initiative is straightforward. It is to make interstate travel safer, more efficient, and more reliable,” Osiyemi stated. He noted that the current paper-based passenger manifest system was prone to inefficiencies, particularly in emergencies, and the new digital system will record passenger information securely and in real time.
The project includes upgrading over 100 unregulated motor parks to meet safety and service standards. Osiyemi stressed that this initiative is part of a broader effort by the Lagos State Government to enhance public safety, modernize the transportation sector, and improve the overall travel experience for residents.
Currently, our passenger manifest system operates on a paper-based approach, which can lead to inefficiencies and delays in critical situations. The second part of this project focuses on transforming our manifest system into a digital, centralized platform,” Osiyemi explained. He added that existing booking systems at formal parks will be integrated into the central database, while less formal parks will receive devices and agents to digitize their manifests on-site.
This digitization will ensure that first responders have immediate access to essential passenger information in emergencies, improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the state’s emergency services.
Osiyemi further highlighted the benefits of the initiative, stating, “By transitioning to a fully digital platform, we aim to securely capture and store passenger information in real time, providing immediate access to accurate data in the event of any incidents.” He also introduced an accreditation system for all interstate parks, which will certify parks that meet the state’s minimum safety and service standards. Accredited parks will prominently display certification signage, assuring passengers of their quality and safety.
In addition to improving safety, the initiative is expected to benefit passengers, park operators, and the state. For passengers, it will increase safety, reliability, and convenience, offering reassurance that their travel information is securely recorded and accessible in case of emergencies. Park operators will gain credibility by meeting the state’s accreditation standards, attracting more passengers and improving service quality.
For accredited park operators, they gain a mark of quality that enhances their reputation and attracts more passengers,” Osiyemi said. He noted that operators would have the opportunity to elevate their service standards and contribute to a safer transportation system.
This initiative is also a step forward in modernizing Lagos’ transportation sector, creating jobs, and providing valuable data for urban planning and policy decisions. “This project not only strengthens public safety but also generates employment opportunities and provides valuable data to guide urban planning and transportation policy,” Osiyemi said.
Olamide Afolabi, the project’s technical partner, explained that the initiative would also involve improvements to park infrastructure, such as toilets and seating areas, to meet accreditation standards. Sola Giwa and Wale Musa, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transportation, assured the public that passenger data would be securely handled and stored in the public interest.
Usman Teslim, the Secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, emphasized that the state’s move to digitize the transportation system is a pioneering effort that sets Lagos apart from other states. “Lagos is original in terms of transportation, while other states follow. The transport union is very aware of this move,” Teslim said.
The project is set to revolutionize the state’s transportation system, creating a safer, more reliable, and modern environment for both passengers and operators.
