The Honourable Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, has said that the introduction of Lagos Bus Services Limited has provided a well-structured transport system that will unlock traffic gridlocks across the metropolis and also meet the transport needs of a rapidly growing population.
Oladeinde stated this at the opening session of a three-day Strategic Management Retreat organised for staff of the Lagos Bus Services Limited by the State Government and facilitated by Alan & Grant.
The Commissioner, who spoke through the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Oluseyi Whenu disclosed that the present administration is working to invest in public transport reforms through the implementation of policies that will bring significant improvement to the lives of the citizenry.
He averred that the reforms encompass all modes of transportation including rail, water and road with the aim of saving commuters travel time, reducing traffic-induced stress and promoting socio-economic activities of the State for greater economic prosperity.
While underscoring the appropriateness of the theme of the retreat: “Dare to Be Different”, Oladeinde told the management of LBSL that in “making Lagos State the 21st-Century economic hub of Africa”, there is need for an integrated transport system that will attract both local and foreign investors.
The Commissioner maintained that in order to achieve the vision of a Greater Lagos, officials of LBSL have integral roles to play in assuring the public that there will be quick returns on their investments in the State through a swift, safe and secure commuting on Lagos roads.
In his words, “this retreat provides an opportunity to review LBSL`s performances over the years, analyse challenges and contribute meaningfully to expert discussions on how to scale up operations to bring significant improvement to public transportation”.
“Our staff must also develop business strategies that will promote LBSL operations and make services more customer-friendly and attractive in such a way that there will be room for expansion and growth to justify the government`s huge investment in public transportation in our dear State”, he added.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lagos Bus Services Limited, Mr. Idowu Oguntona, in his address, revealed that the objective of the retreat is to reposition the company for sustainable growth and profitability.
He assured Lagosians that LBSL will continue to deliberate on how to move towards achieving its mission as a company set up to provide smart and sustainable bus transportation solutions to meet the needs of a modern city.
This, according to the Managing Director, would be achieved by optimising the utilisation of the buses, saving cost, being efficient and thinking of initiatives that will put the company in a very positive light within the government’s agenda of providing efficient traffic management and transportation in an emerging smart city.
Oguntona implored the entire workforce to maintain the momentum for growth, adding that the company is poised to deliver on all its programmes, plans and developmental agenda set for the current year.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the confidence reposed in the company to change the transportation narrative of the State and for the huge commitment in terms of investment in Lagos Bus Services Limited.
The Managing Director encouraged Lagosians to imbibe the culture of using public bus transit, instead of always putting their vehicles on the roads, to eliminate unnecessary traffic gridlock, reduce stress and scale down the cost of maintaining their vehicles.
