The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation has rolled out a new digital passenger manifest system and accreditation process for interstate parks, aiming to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of interstate travel.
Announced by the state Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, at a press briefing in Lagos, the initiative seeks to modernize the existing interstate park operations and transition the passenger manifest system from paper to digital. “This is more than just a modernization effort; it is a commitment to the safety and comfort of every traveler,” Osiyemi stated.
The new system will provide real-time, secure data access, reducing delays and increasing reliability. Osiyemi explained that all accredited parks will be required to meet safety and service standards and will display official certification signage to reassure passengers.
“By transitioning to a digital platform, we aim to securely capture and store passenger information instantly, allowing for quick data retrieval during any incidents,” he said.
The first phase of the project is accrediting interstate parks, especially those meeting minimum safety standards. Parks that fail to meet these requirements, particularly unregulated roadside sites, will be required to upgrade their facilities to ensure a safe travel environment.
To further enhance travel security, each passenger’s details will now be digitally recorded and linked to the vehicle’s registration. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Olawale Musa, emphasized the need for the digital system to track those entering and exiting Lagos.
Over 100 unregulated parks are currently undergoing review for compliance, with a pilot program already in effect at Ojota. Touch and Pay Technology, led by CEO Olamide Afolabi, is partnering with the government to implement the system without disrupting passenger flow, promising smooth and efficient data handling.
Usman Teslim, Secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers in Lagos, supported the initiative, stating that the transition from analogue to digital would improve the transport system in Lagos.
This development marks a significant step in Lagos State’s transport modernization efforts, with expected benefits for passengers, park operators, and the state’s safety infrastructure.-
