The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering critical transport infrastructure projects, especially the second phase of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line.
The authority on its official X (Twitter) handle stated that Abimbola Akinajo, managing director of LAMATA, led an extensive inspection tour of the ongoing transportation infrastructure projects and expressed satisfaction with the progress of work.
The tour commenced with a thorough review of the Marina and Mile 2 interchanges. These vital hubs are being developed with funding jointly provided by the Lagos State Government and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD).
The inspection also covered the progress of constructing a new Mazamaza bridge, following the weak nature of the former bridge, which was unable to carry the rail infrastructure.
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The second phase of the Blue Line is a significant step in the expansion of Lagos’s modern rail network.
Other key stakeholders on the tour were Olasunkanmi Okusaga, technical adviser for public transport rail; Osa Konyeha, technical adviser for planning; Kolawole Ojelabi, head, corporate communication; Abidemi Atobatele; Babatunde Osho of Global Impact Environmental Consulting, and Alexandre Lorot from AFD, among others.
During the inspection, Akinajo provided a confident outlook on the project’s timeline and emphasised the transformative impact of these projects on Lagos’ transportation landscape.
“The Blue Line infrastructure is slated for completion by 2026, with operations for the entire line to begin in the first quarter of 2027.
“The goal of these interchanges is to create a seamless intermodal transport system, allowing for easy transitions between bus, rail, and water, she said, adding that provisions for non-motorised transport, including cycle paths and walkways, are also included at both Marina and Mile 2.
In a plea to the citizens of Lagos, Akinajo called for collective responsibility in protecting the new assets.
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“I urge Lagosians to safeguard the infrastructure and use it responsibly,” she appealed, underscoring the long-term benefits these investments will bring to the metropolitan area.
The timely delivery and operationalisation of the Blue Line’s second phase, along with the integrated interchanges, are pivotal to LAMATA’s vision of a robust, efficient, and interconnected public transportation system for Lagos.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos state, via his X handle, shared that Lagos has taken delivery of three brand-new train sets of 12 coaches for the Lagos Blue Line Rail.
“This means shorter wait times and more comfortable trips for everyone using the Blue Line. It’s a step forward in our efforts to make the daily commute in Lagos less stressful and more reliable.
“We’re not stopping here. Work is ongoing to extend the Blue Line to Okokomaiko, and we’re aiming to finish that by 2026. I know it’s been a long time coming, but I truly believe we’re building something that will change how we move around this city for the better,” Sanwo-Olu said.
