Sanwo-Olu Commends Tinubu’s Support as Lagos Unveils New Blue Line Trains

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has praised President Bola Tinubu for his continued support of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line project, as the state moves closer to delivering an improved train experience for commuters.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu inspecting one of the coaches of the newly acquired three sets of trains for the Blue Line Rail Operations at the National Theatre Station, Iganmu, on Sunday.

On Sunday, the Governor unveiled three newly acquired train sets at the National Arts Theatre Station. The coaches, imported from China by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (LAMATA) in collaboration with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), each consist of four cars—matching the Blue Line’s operational standards.

Sanwo-Olu noted that the new coaches will significantly boost the line’s capacity, reducing travel time and improving service efficiency for passengers.

He also highlighted the broader impact of President Tinubu’s support for subnational governments, particularly in the wake of fuel subsidy removal. The President’s interventions, Sanwo-Olu said, have enabled states like Lagos to invest in alternative transportation options aimed at easing the cost of living for residents.

According to a Press Release from the Office of the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Sanwo-Olu, here are his words : “The whole funding and the expansion of Blue Line capacity have been backed by an audacious transaction that has been made possible by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who, about a year and half ago, in his usual understanding, appreciated what the sub nationals are doing under his Renewed Hope Agenda. 

“While we have seen the positive effects of subsidy removal and the impact of embracing the CNG alternative and electricity-powered vehicles, Mr. President also deemed it fit to extensively support us financially in the procurement of these additional rolling stocks. We are extremely grateful. This is a testament that Renewed Hope Agenda is working well, especially for us in Lagos.”

The newly acquired three sets of trains for the Blue Line Rail Operations delivered at the National Theatre Station, Iganmu, inspected by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday. INSET: Governor Sanwo-Olu (right); Managing Director, LAMATA, Engr. Abimbola Akinajo (left); behind her is Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi and others during the inspection.

Sanwo-Olu said the additional coaches would bring about more predictable and reliable operations as well as improved turnaround time. 

He said: “This afternoon, we have just commissioned and formally handed over to LAMATA and CCECC three sets of train cars. Each set has four cars, which is the standard operating procedure of the Blue Line rail. With the new sets of coaches, it means we are doubling the capacity that we currently have on the Blue Line. Once the coaches are scheduled, we will see reduction in journey time and turnaround time in frequency of journeys. 

“We will also witness more predictable and reliable train experience on the Blue Line. Journeys that hitherto took about 20 minutes may now be taken in half of the time now that the capacity is about to be doubled. We will also see changes in time which trains appear at stations; passengers may see trains every 10 minutes, which is what is desirable for an intracity train operation.”

The Governor disclosed that the Federal Government extensively supported Lagos financially in the procurement of these additional rolling stocks.

Sanwo-Olu said Lagos would take delivery of a brand new set of trains to double the capacity of the Red Line, which operates between Agbado in Ogun State and Ebute Metta in the heart of Lagos Mainland. 

Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (right) and his Special Adviser on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa (second right) during an inspection of the newly acquired three sets of trains for the Blue Line Rail Operations at the National Theatre Station, Iganmu, on Sunday.

The Governor said coaches for the Red Line would be twice the size of the Blue Line due to passengers’ traffic.

He said the construction of the second phase of the Blue Line from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko was on course, noting that stations and tracks were already coming out in shape.

Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (right) and Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi during an inspection of the newly acquired three sets of trains for the Blue Line Rail Operations at the National Theatre Station, Iganmu, on Sunday.

“This goes to show that rail transportation as means of commuting has come to stay in Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu said. 

The Lagos Blue Line, the first phase of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit project, was inaugurated by former President Muhammadu Buhari on January 23, 2023. It officially started transporting passengers on September 4, 2023, after a period of testing.

In one year, it has ferried over two million passengers. In August 2024, the daily frequency of trips was increased from 54 to 72, reducing travel time between Marina and Mile 2 from about 30 minutes to 18 minutes.

More  Photos 👇 👇 

Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu addressing the Press, flanked his Special Adviser on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa (left); Managing Director, LAMATA, Engr. Abimbola Akinajo (right) and other members of EXCO during an inspection of the newly acquired three sets of trains for the Blue Line Rail Transit at the National Theatre Station, Iganmu, on Sunday.

Inside of one of the newly acquired coaches of three-set of Trains.