In a landmark move to tackle Lagos’ notorious traffic woes and boost economic development, the Lagos State Government has partnered with the Federal Government to launch the 68-kilometer Green Line rail project. This rail line, a key element of the state’s Strategic Transport Master Plan, will connect Marina on Lagos Island to the bustling Lekki Free Trade Zone, traversing areas like Victoria Island, Lekki, and Ajah.
Announcing the development, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, highlighted the importance of the collaboration during a Citizen/Media Stakeholders Forum organized by the Ministry. “The Lagos State Government has signed an MoU with the Federal Government’s Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) to kickstart exploratory work on the development of the Green Line project,” Omotoso revealed, as quoted in a statement shared on the government’s official Facebook page.
A Major Step Toward a Modern Lagos
The Green Line rail project is poised to reshape Lagos’ transportation network, reduce congestion, and promote economic activities in one of Africa’s fastest-growing industrial hubs. It represents a critical component of Lagos’ vision for a sustainable and efficient urban transport system.
According to Omotoso, the project will not only ease movement across the state but also align with Lagos’ broader infrastructure ambitions. “This is part of our commitment to modernizing public transportation and ensuring Lagosians can move seamlessly across the state,” he added.
The Memorandum of Understanding signed with MOFI underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to improving Lagos’ transport infrastructure. The MoU also involves China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), which will play a significant role in the design, financing, and operation of the Green Line.
Blueprint for Urban Connectivity
The Green Line rail project is one of six Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines planned under Lagos’ Strategic Transport Master Plan. This comprehensive initiative aims to establish a metro system to serve the megacity’s over 20 million residents.
Progress has already been recorded on two LRT lines: the Blue Line and the Red Line. Passenger operations on the Blue Line’s first phase, which stretches 13 kilometers from Marina to Mile 2, began in September 2023, marking a significant milestone in Lagos’ transport evolution.
Similarly, the Red Line’s initial phase, spanning 27 kilometers from Agbado in Ogun State to Oyingbo in Lagos, became operational in 2024. With eight strategically located stations—including Ikeja, Mushin, and Yaba—the Red Line has already eased commuting challenges for thousands of daily passengers.
Both the Blue and Red Lines are undergoing second-phase expansions, a clear signal of Lagos State’s determination to provide an efficient and reliable rail network for its growing population.
Financial Backing from FG
The Federal Government has also thrown its weight behind the Green Line project, allocating N146.14 billion in counterpart funding for its development in the proposed 2025 federal budget. This allocation is part of the Ministry of Transport’s budgetary provisions and will be managed by MOFI on behalf of the ministry.
The N49.74 trillion budget proposal for 2025 includes a clear emphasis on infrastructure, with the Green Line rail project emerging as a flagship initiative. Analysts have lauded this funding commitment, noting that it could pave the way for timely execution and encourage private-sector investment in Lagos’ transport sector.
A Vision for Economic Growth
The Green Line is expected to serve as a vital link for businesses, commuters, and industries along the Marina-Lekki Free Trade Zone corridor, which has become a hub for industrial and commercial activity in recent years.
Experts believe the project will not only enhance connectivity but also stimulate economic growth, with industries along the route benefiting from improved access to labor and markets. “This rail project will be transformative for Lagos. It will unlock economic opportunities and make commuting less stressful for millions,” said a transportation consultant familiar with the project.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite the optimism surrounding the Green Line, transportation experts have noted the need for meticulous planning to address potential challenges, including land acquisition, environmental concerns, and traffic management during construction.
Additionally, Lagosians are eager for assurances about affordability and timely completion. Previous rail projects in Lagos have faced delays due to funding and technical constraints, raising concerns about whether the Green Line will adhere to its schedule.
Stakeholder Collaboration Key
The agreement between Lagos State, MOFI, and CHEC has been hailed as a crucial example of stakeholder collaboration. By pooling resources and expertise, the project partners hope to overcome hurdles that have hampered infrastructure projects in the past.
Omotoso reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency and efficiency in executing the project. “We understand the importance of this rail line to the people of Lagos, and we are fully committed to delivering it on schedule,” he assured.
Building on Past Successes
The Green Line is building on the momentum generated by the successful launch of the Blue and Red Lines. These rail services have demonstrated that large-scale transport projects can become a reality in Lagos, offering hope that the Green Line will be another success story.
With construction work set to begin soon, Lagosians are looking forward to a future where commuting from Marina to the Lekki Free Trade Zone could take minutes instead of hours. For many residents, this project represents more than just a rail line; it is a beacon of progress in a city striving to become a global economic powerhouse.
