The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive and data-driven governance through a one-day training programme for field officers tasked with conducting the People’s Perception Survey on Lagos State Public Transportation Systems. The Lagos Bureau of Statistics, in collaboration with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) and the Lagos Ferry Services Company (LAGFERRY), convened a one-day training session for field officers tasked with conducting the People’s Perception Survey on Lagos State Public Transportation Systems. The exercise will cover Road (BRT), Rail (Red Line and Blue Line), and Water (Ferry Services). The training, held at the Debt Management Office (DMO) in Ikeja on Thursday, brought together coordinators, supervisors, and enumerators from across the state who will engage commuters and collect feedback on the rail, road, and water transport services provided by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) and the Lagos Ferry Services Company. The survey is designed to capture how Lagosians truly experience public transportation, not just in terms of service delivery, but in terms of impact. It’s a listening exercise, a mirror held up to the system, and a tool for shaping smarter and more inclusive policies. It aligns with Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus development agenda, which emphasises traffic management, transportation, health, education, technology, and inclusive governance. Delivering the keynote address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget (MEPB), Mrs. Olayinka Ojo, represented by the Director Economic Intelligence Department, Mr. Alao Akinkunmi, commended LAMATA and Lagos Ferry Services for embracing transparency and accountability through citizen engagement. In her words, “This initiative shows we are learning, adapting, and evolving to meet the real needs of our citizens,” she said. “Field officers are the first and most critical link in the data value chain. Their accuracy and professionalism directly influence how effectively the government can plan, allocate resources, and evaluate programmes.” The Permanent Secretary also highlighted the importance of empathy and public trust in the data collection process, urging enumerators to approach their work with integrity and respect for the voices of everyday Lagosians. “When citizens feel heard, they are more likely to participate, and that participation strengthens our democracy,” she said. She expressed confidence that the training would empower field officers to deliver high-quality data that would shape the future of mobility in Lagos State. The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) representative, Mr. Ayodeji Adegboye, offered practical guidance to enumerators, highlighting peak operational hours (6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and the importance of understanding the various transport systems from the Ikorodu-TBS BRT to standard bus routes like Abule Egba and Oshodi, and the seven-seater (FLM) buses. He urged officers to be patient, punctual, and professional, noting that their role is vital in clarifying transport options to the public and gathering meaningful feedback
