The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, announced that all stations are active and ready to receive passengers in Lagos State.
The governor said this during the inauguration of the first phase of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line project, a 37-kilometre project that is expected to reduce travel time, improve transportation, and improve logistics in the state, on Thursday.
Phase one of the project, overseen by the State Government and covering a distance of 37 kilometers, utilizes the track of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) Lagos-Ibadan modernization project from Ebute Metta to Agbado. It incorporates stations at Oyingbo, Yaba, Mushin, Oshodi, Ikeja, Agege, and Iju.
Sanwo-Olu anticipates that phase one will initially serve 750,000 passengers daily and eventually accommodate 1.1 million passengers daily upon full operation.
”All the stations are live and ready to receive passengers,” Governor Sanwo-Olu announced.
President Tinubu presided over the inauguration of the initial phase of the LRMT Red Line project and was present for the signing ceremony of the contract for Phase 2. This event saw the Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Engr. Abimbola Akinajo, and the Chairman of CCECC Nigeria Limited, Jason Zhang, officially seal the agreement.
More so, speaking to a crowd of Nigerians gathered at the train station in Ikeja, President Tinubu issued a directive to the Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Alkali. He emphasised the importance of enhancing collaboration between the federal and subnational governments to deliver dependable, effective, and cost-effective transportation networks or stations for all citizens throughout the nation.
”It is my singular pleasure to inaugurate the first phase of the LRMT Red Line to the glory of God Almighty and for the benefit of the people.
”Today, I am seriously honoured that I am a Lagosian and the first to be President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
”My promise is not to let you down. We will arrive at the destination with joy, happiness, and prosperity; God willing,” stated Tinubu.
In a post shared on the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale’s Facebook Page, it was described that while the president was reflecting on his tenure as the former governor of Lagos State, he recalled the genesis of the vision for a contemporary and efficient public transportation system within the state.
He depicted the project as the actualization of a longstanding aspiration, crediting its achievement to the dedication and hard work of successive administrations over the years.
“I am very happy indeed that today is a day to remember in Nigeria’s infrastructural history, particularly Lagos, the centre of excellence. Today is evidence that it is good to dream, and it is a serious validation of democracy as a form of government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
”When you put people at the centre of your vision and planning, you will realise the value of democracy.
”Twenty-five years ago, I was elected to lead Nigeria’s most populous state. From the very beginning, my team and I toiled day and night with a very bare cupboard and amidst pervasive deficiency to implement a developmental vision that would transform Lagos into an economic powerhouse. Today, we are realising that dream.
”The momentum of greatness we kickstarted a quarter of a century ago has become unstoppable progress. It is not illegal to dream big. Just stay focused and make development a central focus,” the president described.
However, President Tinubu praised the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), the urban transport agency he founded more than two decades ago, for its outstanding performance. He urged LAMATA to maintain its momentum in completing all remaining phases of the Red Line project and to fully execute the broader rail blueprint for the state.
Encouraging Nigerians to embrace change and contribute to national advancement, he reiterated his administration’s dedication to rooting out corruption. Additionally, he appealed to labour unions to refrain from engaging in disruptive actions.
Furthermore, he noted that some labour unions should understand that, no matter how we cling to our freedom and rights, calling for strikes within the first nine months of a new administration is unacceptable.
”If you want to directly participate in the electoral process, wait until 2027; if not, maintain the peace. Labour is not the only voice of Nigeria,” the president affirmed.
Before setting off for a state visit to Qatar, the President took part in an inaugural train journey from the Ikeja station to the Agege station.
Joining him on this ride were Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor of the State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, several state governors, members of both the Federal and State Executive Councils, representatives from the Federal and State Legislative Assemblies, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun, and a chosen contingent of journalists.
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Addressing reporters aboard the train during the inaugural ride, President Tinubu conveyed assurance to Nigerians that their lives would significantly improve as modern amenities continue to be developed across the nation under his progressive leadership.
‘‘This is very efficient and comfortable, and I am happy. Our transportation system must be all about people. We have cut imports on PMS by almost 50 percent. We need mass transit to complement the daily efforts of citizens and make things easier for our people. And this is what this is all about. It is about the people. It is about democracy. We are happy about it,’’ President Tinubu stated.
