The Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue Line System has officially commenced its commercial operations, marking a significant milestone 40 years after the concept of a metro line for the state was first envisioned.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, made history as the first passenger to ride the train during its inaugural journey as operations kicked off on Monday.
The governor’s journey began at the Marina terminal, heading to Mile 2, and he completed a return trip from Mile 2 back to Marina.
Announcing the commencement of commercial operations, Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, the Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, had confirmed that the Lagos blue line rail would start its commercial services on Monday, September 4, with Governor Sanwo-Olu as the first passenger during the inaugural ride on the train.
The concept of a metro line for Lagos State dates back to 1983, during the administration of the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande. Jakande, who served as the first civilian governor of the state, initiated the vision for a light rail in 1983, with an initial target delivery date of 1986. At the time of its conception, all necessary paperwork had been completed, and the contractor was prepared to commence work on the project.
The project had yet to commence when a military coup, led by the then Major-General Muhammadu Buhari, occurred, resulting in the discontinuation of the project.
Nonetheless, the rail network project was eventually launched in 2003 by former Governor Bola Tinubu, marking two decades since its initial conception.
Upon its inauguration, the light rail project was divided into various color-coded phases, including the Blue Line (Marina to Mile 2); Red Line (Agbado to Marina); Purple Line (Redeemed to Ojo); Yellow Line (Otta to Iddo); Brown Line (Mile 12 to Marina); Orange Line (Redeemed to Marina), and Green Line (Marina to Lekki).
The construction of the 27-kilometer Blue Line rail commenced during the tenure of former Governor Babatunde Fashola. The project encompassed the design and development of rail infrastructure, with construction divided into phases. The first phase covered the Marina to Mile 2 section, while the second phase was intended to extend from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko.
Former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who assumed office in 2015, had pledged that the project would be completed by 2016 but was unable to fulfill this promise.
However, upon taking office in 2019, Governor Sanwo-Olu assured Lagos residents that his administration would deliver on the project.
The anticipation of residents was heightened when the first phase of the Blue Line rail was inaugurated by former President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2023.
Following the inauguration, LAMATA announced that the Blue Line rail was expected to be ready for commercial operations in March 2023. However, this initial date was later postponed twice, ultimately leading to the commencement of commercial operations on Monday, September 4.
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed his excitement at the start of blue line rail operations, emphasizing that it was a promise kept. He mentioned that they had aimed to coincide the commencement of the rail service with the celebration of their 100 days in office.
Sanwo-Olu, joined by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and approximately 800 passengers on the inaugural ride, described the synchronized operations. He detailed the stations they would visit, such as the National Arts Theatre station, Iganmu station, Alaba station, and Mile 2 station, where passengers would disembark. He emphasized the efficiency of the system, with station stops lasting no more than 90 seconds to accommodate the mass movement of passengers.
The governor also assured Lagos residents that the Red Line rail project was nearing completion, reaching about 95 to 96 percent. He pledged that the Red Line would be unveiled soon and mentioned plans to commission various bridges and stations in the coming months. Sanwo-Olu hoped that President Muhammadu Buhari would be present for the final commissioning before the end of the year.
