The Lagos State Government has taken a significant step toward the development of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Green Line with a site visit by key officials to assess the right of way for the project. This marks a crucial milestone in the effort to modernize and transform transportation in the bustling city of Lagos.
The visit, conducted by a delegation of representatives from various agencies, including the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, and several international partners, signals the commencement of real work on the much-anticipated Green Line rail project.
This move follows the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in China, further cementing the commitment to the project, which aims to provide Lagos residents with an efficient and sustainable transport system.
A Closer Look at the Green Line Project
The Green Line is part of a larger network of rail lines planned for Lagos under the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) system. Initially proposed during the administration of former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu, the plan outlined several rail lines designed to ease transportation across Lagos, Africa’s most populous city. The rail lines are seen as the key to decongesting Lagos’ notoriously gridlocked roads and providing residents with faster and more reliable commuting options.
The Green Line, one of the seven rail lines originally proposed, will span a total of 67 kilometers once completed. The first phase, covering 33 kilometers, will run from Marina to Omu Creek in Sangotedo, passing through major areas along the Lekki corridor. This phase is expected to address one of Lagos’ most congested traffic routes and improve access to the Lekki Free Trade Zone and surrounding areas.
The ultimate vision is for the Green Line to extend all the way to Lekki Airport, once the airport is fully operational, further enhancing transport connectivity in the state.
Site Visit Marks a Major Step Forward
The purpose of the site visit was to familiarize the construction company with the proposed right of way for the Green Line rail project. This right of way will form the basis for a comprehensive feasibility study to determine the best approach for constructing the rail line.
Representatives from LAMATA, led by the Director of Rail Transport, Engr. Olasukanmi Okusaga, along with key officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Works & Infrastructure and Federal Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), were on hand to inspect the route and discuss the next steps. The visit also included members of China Harbour Point, Nexant Consulting, and Advanced Engineering Consultants (AEC), who will play important roles in the construction and planning stages of the project.
During the inspection, LAMATA Director of Rail Transport, Engr. Okusaga, emphasized the importance of ensuring that the Green Line’s development moves forward without unnecessary delays. “This project is vital for the future of Lagos. It will not only ease transportation for millions of residents but will also serve as a critical link between key areas in Lagos and major economic hubs,” Okusaga said.
Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Works & Infrastructure, Engr. Lateef Somide, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are fully committed to making the Green Line a reality. The benefits for Lagos residents and businesses are immense. It will change the face of transportation in this city.”
A Broader Vision for Lagos’ Rail Network
The Green Line is part of an ambitious broader plan to establish a comprehensive rail network that will revolutionize transportation in Lagos. LAMATA initially proposed seven rail lines under the LRMT project:
- Blue Line: Okokomaiko-Marina
- Red Line: Agbado-MMIA-Marina
- Green Line: Lekki Airport-Marina
- Yellow Line: Otta-Iddo
- Purple Line: Redeemed Camp-Ojo
- Brown Line: Mile 12 – Marina
- Orange Line: Redeemed Camp-Marina
The Blue and Red lines are already at various stages of development, with the Blue Line set to be operational soon. The Green Line, however, is expected to bring significant relief to commuters along the Lekki-Epe axis, one of Lagos’ most congested regions.
LAMATA’s broader vision is to create a network of efficient rail lines that will serve as the backbone of public transport in Lagos, reducing reliance on cars and buses, and offering a cleaner, faster, and more reliable alternative. The agency’s hashtag, #KeepingLagosMoving, underscores its mission to tackle the city’s mobility challenges.
The Challenges of Building a Modern Rail System in Lagos
Building a modern rail system in a city like Lagos comes with significant challenges. The city’s rapid population growth, urban sprawl, and pre-existing infrastructure make large-scale projects like the Green Line difficult to execute.
Land acquisition, demolition of existing structures, and the complex logistics of laying rail tracks in a densely populated city are among the major hurdles faced by the project. Furthermore, funding remains a critical issue, with the government relying on a combination of international partnerships, loans, and local revenue to finance the construction.
Despite these challenges, Lagos State is determined to push forward. Speaking at the site visit, Dr. Abiola Agunbiade, CEO of Advanced Engineering Consultants (AEC), acknowledged the difficulties but expressed optimism that the project would meet its targets. “We are fully aware of the challenges ahead, but with the right team and the support of the state government, we are confident that this project will be completed on schedule,” Dr. Agunbiade stated.
