Nigeria’s first metro rail service commences operation in Lagos

Nigeria’s first metro rail service, built in Lagos, the country’s commercial capital, commenced operation several years after it was conceived. Experts say the rail service will go a long way in solving heavy traffic that has affected the socio economic activities of the state…

Lagos, Nigeria’s economic capital, opened its much anticipated metro rail service to commuters for the first time 20 years after plans for the line were announced and 14 years after construction began on the project.

The 13km Blue Line from Marina on Lagos Island to Mile 2 on the mainland, joins the business districts with the residential areas.

The train service is expected to ease movements in the state which has been well known for its heavy traffic.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who flagged off commercial operations of the Blue Line Rail in the state said it was a dream come true.

The governor boarded one of the Blue Line Rail trains to signal the commencement of commercial operations on the state’s intra-city train service.

Sanwo-Olu, who thanked President Bola Tinubu for establishing the state’s intermodal transportation master plan, which included rail, water, and road infrastructure, stated that once the Blue Line Rail project was completed and commercial operations began, the President would commission the Red Line Rail project.

He stated that the commissioning would be completed before the end of the year.

Lagos has more than 20 million residents who struggle with regular traffic gridlock. The introduction of the rail service experts say will go a long way in reducing the heavy traffic in Nigeria’s business hub