Motorists in Lagos may soon spend significantly less time obtaining driver’s licences as the state government prepares to introduce an automated processing system in 2027.
The proposed arrangement is designed to reduce the processing time for new licences to approximately 30 minutes, while renewals are expected to take just 10 minutes.
Permanent Secretary of the Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA), Rasheed Muri-Okunola, disclosed the development during the 2026 media parley organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation.
According to him, the system is undergoing testing ahead of its planned introduction next year.
The initiative will allow applicants to complete preliminary registration procedures remotely before visiting designated centres for biometric capture and other compulsory requirements.
Muri-Okunola explained that the state government had entered into a concession agreement with a consultant to automate the agency’s operations.
The digital platform will also accommodate vehicle documentation and number plate processing, reducing the need for repeated visits to government offices.
The proposed reform seeks to address longstanding complaints from motorists who have experienced extended delays in receiving their licences despite completing payments.
Beyond vehicle documentation, the government also unveiled plans to expand railway services and improve public transportation across the state.
Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Abimbola Akinajo, announced that three additional stations would be introduced along the Lagos Blue Line.
The stations, located at Alakija, Festac and Trade Fair, are expected to commence operations by the end of February 2027.
The extension will take the railway beyond its current Mile 2 terminus, forming part of the government’s longer-term plan to expand the Blue Line to Okokomaiko.
Akinajo said the development would provide additional transportation options for commuters travelling through communities along the corridor.
The Lagos Red Line is also scheduled for a capacity increase, with three additional eight-car train sets expected to arrive in November 2026.
The new trains are projected to increase daily services from nine to 20 in the initial phase.
Authorities subsequently intend to raise the number of daily trips to 28 before the end of 2027.
The expansion is expected to accommodate more passengers and improve the frequency of train services.
Meanwhile, the government has set February 2027 as the completion target for four major quality bus corridors, including their associated terminals and depots.
The proposed developments form part of wider transportation reforms covering rail connectivity, road-based public transit, water transportation, parking management and traffic coordination.
Officials also outlined preparations to manage traffic during the December festive period.
While the announced projects carry different implementation timelines, the government expects the combined improvements to make transportation services more accessible and efficient.
The planned driver’s licence automation, in particular, could substantially reduce administrative delays if the projected processing times are achieved when the system becomes operational.
Ezeana Emmanuel
