Akinwande Soji-Ojo
President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, commissioned the 37 kilometer Lagos State Red Line rail project.
The Red Line rail project is a 37 kilometer North-South rail route, which will runs from Agbado, in Ogun State, to Marina, Lagos State, with 13 stations at Agbado, Iju, Agege, Ikeja, MMIA International, MMIA Domestic, Oshodi, Mushin, Yaba, Ebute Metta, Iddo, Ebute Ero and Marina.
It is expected to facilitate 37 trips daily, accommodating approximately 500,000 passengers.
Unlike the electric-powered Blue Line, which was opened on September 4, 2023, the Red Line will utilise a diesel-powered system known as Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU).
The rail system is managed by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).
Initial estimates of the Red Line project, was pegged at a cost of $135 million under the Greater Lagos Urban Transportation Project.
However, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, revealed that both the Blue and Red Lines combined would exceed N100 billion. The construction of the project was handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
Sanwo-Olu said that the commissioning of the Lagos Red Line project isn’t just about improving the city’s mobility, but about reshaping the urban landscape and setting a new pace for development.
In a brief statement on X, governor also noted that by connecting critical points across Lagos, “we’re opening doors to opportunities, growth, and a sustainable future.”
While inaugurating the project, the president reiterated his administration’s commitment to improve on the nation’s infrastructural development.
He also said there is no going back on the reforms embarked upon by his administration that have led to the hike in essential goods and services.
“But this revolution that has started, this reform that is ongoing, we are not looking back. The engineering, the construction, the affirmation of our pledge to be loyal to our country. There is one thing I know is that there is a very bright light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.
The idea of developing a rapid transit in Lagos State dates back to 1983, with the Lagos Metroline Network conceived by Alhaji Lateef Jakande during the Second Republic. The initial Metroline project was scrapped in 1985 by Muhammadu Buhari at a loss of over $78 million to the state..
However, in 2003, the then Governor Bola Tinubu revived the rail network for Lagos State with a formal announcement of its construction.
Tinubu departs for two-day Business, Investment Forum in Qatar
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu will, on Thursday, depart Lagos for a two-day official visit to Qatar on the invitation of His Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar.
Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, in a statement said the President will be accompanied on the trip by senior government officials, who are expected to sign several agreements focused on boosting Nigeria’s real sector and creating value-additive investments across the fields of trade, education, culture, solid minerals and others.
“Honouring an invitation by His Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, President Bola Tinubu will depart Lagos State and embark on a two-day official visit to the State of Qatar on Thursday, February 29, 2024, to further strengthen cooperation between the two nations in several areas, including security, cultural exchange, and economic development.
“During the visit, President Tinubu will witness the signing of several agreements focused on boosting Nigeria’s real sector and creating value-additive investments across the fields of trade, education, culture, solid minerals, digital economy, agriculture, and gas, as well as fostering cooperation on counter-terrorism.
“The President will also participate in a business and investment forum that will bring together top-level executives in both the private and public sectors of Nigeria and Qatar to advance cross-sectoral opportunities for mutually beneficial growth and development.
“The President will be accompanied on the trip by senior government officials for the signing of agreements,” Ngelale said.
