FG certifies Blue Rail safe for commercial operations

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The Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) has been certified by the federal government as safe infrastructure for commercial/passenger operations.

In a statement released on Wednesday by Communications Consultant to the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Kolawole Ojelabi, said the certification came following a painstaking audit of the rail infrastructure by the federal inspector of railways from the Federal Ministry of Transportation.

According to the “Safety Certificate for Commercial Operations: Lagos Rail Mass Transit, Blue Line (Marina – Mile 2),” the certification is in accordance with section 50 to 56 of the Nigerian Railway Act, 1955.

The certificate, signed by Government Inspector of Railways, Engr. Abdulrahaman B. Yusuf, stated that following successful trial operations carried out on the rail, “I hereby certify the railway safe for commercial operation.

The Blue Line commenced limited passenger operations on 4th September 2023 and has since moved about 20,000 passengers.

LAMATA’a Managing Director Abimbola Akinajo, said the certification of the Blue Line was a validation of strict supervision regime put in place during the construction of the project.

She stated that proper maintenance of the infrastructure and rolling stock will be given priority.

“Rail infrastructure is built to last many generations. We have ensured that the infrastructure built will last more than 100 years,” the statement quoted Akinajo as saying.