By Abiodun Abdullai
The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) has applauded the Lagos State Government and the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) for their sustained investment in modern transport infrastructure designed to ease commuting and strengthen urban mobility in Africa's largest city.
The commendation came during a project inspection tour of the Marina and Mile 2 Transport Interchanges, which are currently under construction as part of efforts to promote intermodal transportation across the state.
Leading the AFD delegation, Sandra Kassab, Director of the agency's Africa Department, described Lagos as a model for sustainable mobility and urban transport innovation.
> "We take pride in our partnership with LAMATA for more than a decade. What we have seen here reflects real progress — affordable, secure, and integrated transport solutions that will serve millions of Nigerians," Kassab said.
The AFD team, accompanied by Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, and LAMATA Managing Director, Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, assessed the progress of work and reaffirmed the agency's commitment to supporting Lagos in delivering people-focused infrastructure.
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According to Mrs. Akinajo, the Marina and Mile 2 interchanges are on track for completion between the end of the first quarter and the middle of the second quarter of 2026.
She explained that the projects were designed to promote intermodal and non-motorized transport systems, allowing commuters to seamlessly connect between rail, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and pedestrian routes.
"Lagos is deliberate about connectivity — ensuring that people can move efficiently without relying solely on cars. This approach supports our non-motorized transport policy and contributes to reducing carbon emissions," she said.
Commissioner Osiyemi reaffirmed the state's commitment to completing the projects, noting that transportation remains a key pillar in Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's THEMES+ Agenda, which prioritizes infrastructure development as a driver of economic growth.
The Marina Interchange, upon completion, will enable commuters to walk directly to nearby commercial and cultural destinations such as the J. Randle Museum and major business offices within the Marina district — a move expected to further boost Lagos' position as a hub for commerce and sustainable urban living.
