The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has confirmed that the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) is advancing preparations for a new round of financing to support the Maryland Interchange project—one of the key components of the state’s long-term urban mobility strategy. The update was shared in a statement on LAMATA’s official X account following an inspection visit by a delegation from the French development agency.
AFD Delegation Assesses Progress
During the visit, AFD’s Deputy Country Director, Mahamadou Diarra, expressed satisfaction with LAMATA’s execution of ongoing mobility projects and affirmed that work on the financing package for the Maryland Interchange is progressing steadily. According to LAMATA, the inspection was aimed not only at reviewing existing initiatives but also at firming up arrangements for the next phase of financial support.
The agency noted that AFD’s renewed commitment underscores the strong partnership between Lagos and the French government in delivering modern transport solutions. The Maryland Interchange, once completed, is expected to enhance overall passenger movement and provide seamless links across major transit corridors.
Strengthening the Urban Mobility Network
LAMATA highlighted that the Interchange will play a central role in complementing other infrastructure investments, particularly the Quality Bus Corridor (QBC) projects being implemented under the Lagos Strategic Transport Master Plan Project (LSTMPP). The Maryland site, it added, is already in advanced agreement stages within the broader financing framework currently being finalised with AFD.
The state’s mobility plan focuses on expanding transport options, upgrading road infrastructure, and improving key interchange points that connect bus, rail, and non-motorised transport networks. The Maryland Interchange is designed to serve as a pivotal node within this system, improving the efficiency of Lagos’ increasingly busy commuter routes.
QBC Projects Progressing Across Lagos
LAMATA also provided a detailed update on the ongoing QBC programme, which aims to reduce travel time and improve bus operations through the installation of dedicated lanes, priority traffic signals, improved laybys, and modern bus shelters along priority routes.
QBC Package Breakdown:
- Package 1 (Yaba–Cele, Oshodi–Apapa corridor): 8.7 km with 22 bus shelters and terminal facilities at Yaba, Ojuelegba, Lawanson, and Cele. Compensation for affected structures is underway ahead of construction.
- Package 2: Iju Ishaga to Abule Egba.
- Package 3: Iyana Iba to Igando.
In August 2024, LAMATA awarded implementation contracts to:
- China Road & Bridge Corporation – Ketu–Alapere–Akanimodo and Yaba–Lawanson–Cele (QBC 1)
- Trucrete Solutions – Iju Ishaga–Abule Egba (QBC 2)
- Craneburg Construction – Iyana Iba–Igando (QBC 3)
These AFD-funded initiatives include constructing bus shelters, improving intersection flow with priority signals, and creating laybys to ease congestion—steps intended to deliver a more reliable and efficient transit experience for Lagos residents.
Deepening Lagos–AFD Partnership
LAMATA emphasised that the inspection visit reaffirmed the longstanding collaboration between Lagos State and AFD. With preparations for new financing underway, the Maryland Interchange is expected to move closer to full implementation, reinforcing Lagos’ broader vision for a modern, integrated transport system capable of meeting the needs of its growing population.