Lagos State Government has taken a significant step toward improving its transport infrastructure with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Government’s Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) to commence exploratory work on the 68-kilometre Green Line rail project.
The rail line, which is expected to connect Marina to the Lekki Free Trade Zone, marks a new chapter in the state’s efforts to ease transportation challenges and enhance economic growth.
The agreement, announced by Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, on Tuesday, has been hailed as a landmark move to improve connectivity and mobility within the state.
Omotoso highlighted that the Green Line rail project will facilitate smoother transportation between vital commercial and residential areas, significantly easing traffic congestion and boosting business activities across Lagos.
“This landmark project will improve connectivity, ease movement, and boost economic activities between critical areas in Lagos,” Omotoso stated during the announcement, underscoring the transformative potential of the project for the state’s residents and businesses alike.
The Green Line will traverse major areas of Lagos, including Victoria Island, Lekki, and Ajah, linking them directly with Marina and the Lekki Free Trade Zone.
The line is seen as an essential part of the state’s broader plan to overhaul and modernize its public transportation system to keep pace with the city’s rapid growth.
The federal government is showing its strong support for the project, with ₦146.14 billion allocated for the Green Line Metro Rail project from the Nigerian Government’s 2025 budget.
This funding will serve as counterpart financing to complement the efforts of the Lagos State Government, ensuring the successful completion of the ambitious project.
In addition to the Green Line, Omotoso also highlighted other ongoing infrastructure developments across Lagos. In 2024, the state government successfully completed 36 road projects, with another 51 in various stages of development.
Notable projects include the Arowojobe Link Bridge in Mende, the Platinum Road in Igbokusu, and the Babafemi Dada Bridge in Yinka Folarin. These projects are designed to improve traffic flow and ensure greater ease of access to key areas in the city.
As part of the Bus Reform Initiative (BRI), the state is also investing in major bus terminals, including those at Abule Egba, Iyana Ipaja, and Ajah, with work continuing on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, particularly the section from Doyin Orile to Mile 2.
A major achievement for Lagos’ transport sector is the completion of the 27-kilometre Red Line rail project.
Running from Agbado in Ogun State to Oyingbo in Lagos, the Red Line began passenger operations on 15 October 2024 and is expected to serve approximately 500,000 passengers daily.
The Red Line connects key terminals, such as Ikeja, Oshodi, and Yaba, integrating them with vehicular overpasses and pedestrian bridges to create a seamless travel experience.
Omotoso further revealed that work has also commenced on extending the Blue Line rail project, which will run from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko.
The integration of the Red and Blue Lines is expected to form a robust rail network, addressing the city’s growing transportation needs and providing Lagosians with faster, more reliable travel options.
“Our vision is to integrate the Red Line with the Blue Line, creating a robust rail network to meet Lagos’ growing transport needs,” Omotoso concluded, emphasizing the importance of these infrastructure developments in shaping a more sustainable and efficient transport system for the state.