Lagos, Fed Govt sign MoU on 68km VI, Lekki, Ajah rail project

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The Lagos State government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Government’s Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) to begin exploratory work on the 68-kilometer Green Line rail project, which will connect Marina to the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

The announcement was made by Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, on Tuesday.

He described the initiative as a significant step toward advancing the state’s transportation infrastructure.

“This landmark project will improve connectivity, ease movement, and boost economic activities between critical areas in Lagos,” Omotoso stated.

The Federal Government has allocated N175.84 billion in the 2025 budget to support key national priorities, including workforce welfare, infrastructure development, and strategic asset protection. Of this allocation, N146.14 billion has been earmarked as counterpart funding for the Lagos Green Line Metro Rail project.

The 68-kilometer rail network will stretch from the Lekki Free Trade Zone to Marina, connecting vital areas of Lagos, including Victoria Island, Lekki, and Ajah.

Omotoso highlighted the administration’s achievements in infrastructure development, noting that the government completed 36 road projects in 2024, including bridges, link roads, and pedestrian infrastructure.

We have also embarked on over 51 other road projects at various stages of development across all five divisions of the state,” he said.

Key projects include the Arowojobe Link Bridge in Mende, Maryland, the Platinum Road in Igbokusu, and the Babafemi Dada Bridge in Yinka Folarin, among others.

On the state’s Bus Reform Initiative (BRI), Omotoso revealed that construction is ongoing for new BRT terminals and supporting infrastructure.

The Abule Egba and Iyana Ipaja Bus Terminals are progressing well, while the Ajah Bus Terminals and Depots are nearing completion. Additionally, significant work is being done on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, with the Doyin Orile to Mile 2 section under active development,” he explained.

Omotoso further emphasized the administration’s milestone in 2024 with the completion and commissioning of the first phase of the Red Line rail project, a 27-kilometer stretch from Agbado in Ogun State to Oyingbo in Lagos.

“This rail line, which began passenger operations on October 15, 2024, is expected to serve 500,000 passengers daily,” he said.

The Red Line includes eight strategically located stations, four vehicular overpasses, and three pedestrian bridges. It integrates seamlessly with key terminals such as Ikeja, Oshodi, and Yaba, providing comprehensive connectivity for commuters.

Omotoso added that work has commenced on the second phase of the Blue Line, which will extend it from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko.

“Our vision is to integrate the Red Line with the Blue Line, creating a robust rail network that serves the growing.