NIGERIA: Sanwo-Olu Unveils New Trains For Lagos Blue Line

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday, unveiled three new train sets for the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line, as part of efforts to expand the state’s urban rail infrastructure and ease daily commuting challenges.

The unveiling took place at the National Theatre Station in Iganmu, with the governor stating that the addition would double the current passenger capacity on the Blue Line.

According to Sanwo-Olu, each of the new train sets comprises four cars, and the expanded fleet is expected to reduce wait times, shorten travel durations, and enhance the overall reliability of the Blue Line corridor.

He said: “Our goal is to have trains arriving every 10 minutes,” in a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account shortly after the event.

Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the role of the Federal Government in making the acquisition possible, expressing gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as “strong support” throughout the procurement and delivery process.

He also revealed that more trains were expected before the end of the year for the Red Line corridor, which he said would have “twice the capacity” of the current Blue Line trains.

Sanwo-Olu noted; “Before the end of the year, we’ll receive new trains for the Red Line, which will have twice the capacity of the Blue Line trains.”

Construction is also ongoing on Phase 2 of the Blue Line, which will extend the rail route from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko. The extension is seen as a key part of Lagos State’s long-term transportation master plan.

“We’re building infrastructure and a better future for urban mobility in Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu said.