As Primero Transport Services Limited (Primero TSL) marks its 10th anniversary, INN-Nigeria sat down with its Managing Director, Mr. Fola Tinubu, for an exclusive interview on December 23, 2025.
The discussion reflected on the company’s origins, its role in Lagos State’s transportation reforms, key innovations, and future expansion plans.
Speaking on the genesis of Primero TSL, Mr. Tinubu traced the journey back to about 12 years ago, when the Lagos State Government opened a Request for Proposal (RFP) to private investors following the strategic segmentation of the state’s transportation system.
“At the time, the Lagos State Government was deliberate about redesigning transportation to cushion mobility challenges.”
“They put out an RFP for those interested in investing in the sector. We took interest, set up a team, submitted our proposal to the concession, and we were given the go-ahead,” he explained.
Mr. Tinubu was emphatic that the idea behind Primero TSL was not a personal initiative but a product of deliberate government planning.
“The idea of Primero TSL was practically orchestrated by the Lagos State Government. It was not a Fola Tinubu idea.”
“The kudos must go to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Governors Babatunde Raji Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode, and the current Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.”
“Primero was their thoughts, plans and ideas—we only plugged into it,” he said.
On innovation, Mr. Tinubu highlighted several milestones that have reshaped public transportation in Lagos, many of which were achieved in collaboration with the state government.
He noted that Primero pioneered electronic ticketing to eliminate cash transactions on buses, enhancing convenience and transparency for commuters.
The company also introduced Wi-Fi services across its fleet, alongside charging ports that allow passengers to power their devices while in transit.
In addition, he disclosed that Primero, working with the Lagos State Government, deployed a traffic control and monitoring mechanism that enables real-time tracking of buses.
“This system allows us to know where all our buses are at any point in time, determine their movement and timing, and help passengers better plan their journeys.”
“These are some of the innovative ways Primero TSL has contributed to improving the transportation sector,” he stated.
Looking to the future, Mr. Tinubu said Primero TSL remains focused on service improvement, affordability, and sustainability.
“There is a lot for us to do, and there are still steps we will take to deliver better services,” he said.
“Part of our plan is to work with the Federal Government to convert our diesel-powered buses to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).”
“We are also collaborating with the Lagos State Government to bring in more buses to serve different routes across Lagos.”
According to him, the ultimate goal is to make transportation more affordable, efficient, and accessible for all Lagosians.
“We are not going to relent until we have accomplished that objective. It is all about improving our service for everyone in Lagos, and we will not rest until we get it right,” he added.
Reflecting on the 10th anniversary milestone, Mr. Tinubu expressed deep appreciation to commuters and stakeholders who have supported the company over the past decade.
He thanked Primero bus users for their loyalty, patience, and cooperation, stressing that their continued patronage has sustained the vision of the company.
“Without the users, there would be no Primero. They are the ones who have kept the vision alive and thriving,” he said.
Reaffirming Primero TSL’s commitment to excellence, Mr. Tinubu assured customers that the company remains determined to evolve into a world-class transportation service provider.
“We will not rest until we get it right,” he concluded.
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