In a bold move to enhance public safety and reduce road accidents, the Lagos State Safety Commission (LSC), in partnership with Lagos Bus Service Limited (LBSL), has launched a transformative training program for BRT drivers, dubbed “BRT Captains,” under the theme “The Mind Behind the Wheel.”
Held at LBSL’s headquarters in Oshodi, the initiative underscores Lagos State’s unwavering commitment to safe, efficient, and world-class public transportation, aligning with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES-Plus agenda.
The training, which drew participation from hundreds of BRT drivers, focused on critical areas such as road safety practices, emergency response, accident prevention, and the psychological aspects of driving. With Lagos’ bustling population exceeding 20 million and its BRT system serving over 60 million passengers to date, the stakes for safe mobility are higher than ever.
The programme, facilitated by MTC Consult, included expert-led modules on accident causes, stress management, first-aid response, and modern traffic safety strategies, complemented by practical, scenario-based exercises to sharpen drivers’ real-time decision-making skills.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Lanre Mojola, Director-General of the LSC, highlighted the urgency of the initiative, citing global and local data showing that human error accounts for over 75% of road accidents.
“This training is not just about driving skills; it’s about saving lives. Our BRT Captains are entrusted with the safety of millions of Lagosians daily. By equipping them with cutting-edge knowledge and fostering a culture of responsibility, we are reducing crashes and building a safer Lagos,” Mojola declared.
He noted that similar safety programs worldwide have benefited over five million people, expressing confidence that this initiative would elevate Lagos’ public transport system to global standards.
Mr. Idowu Oguntona, Managing Director/CEO of LBSL, emphasized the critical role of the BRT system in Lagos, a megacity where transportation is the backbone of daily life. “Our drivers carry the weight of millions of lives,” Oguntona said.
“This training reinforces their ability to remain vigilant and professional, ensuring that Lagosians can commute with confidence.”
He highlighted LBSL’s impressive safety record and its role in moving millions across routes like Ikorodu to CMS and Lekki to Ajah, while pledging to sustain investments in driver capacity.
The programme also received praise from Mr. Poju Fowokan, representing the Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).
Fowokan lauded LBSL as a model for urban transport efficiency and urged drivers to internalize their responsibility for road safety.
“Every decision you make behind the wheel impacts lives. This training is a call to uphold the high standards that make Lagos’ BRT system a benchmark for others,” he said.
