The Lagos State Government has entered a groundbreaking partnership with the Federal Government’s Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) to construct the much-anticipated Green Line Rail Project. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for this ambitious project was signed during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, China, with Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Finance Minister Olawale Edun, and key officials in attendance.
The MoU sets the foundation for the financing, design, operation, and maintenance of the Green Line Rail, which aims to complement Lagos’ existing Blue and Red Line rail systems. The new rail line is designed to significantly enhance public transportation for millions of Lagos residents, offering an additional transport option and easing the burden on the city’s road networks.
Governor Sanwo-Olu underscored the transformative potential of the Green Line Rail, which will span 68 kilometers and link strategic locations such as Victoria Island, Lekki, Ajah, and the Lekki Free Zone to Marina. “This historic agreement signals the start of a project that will revolutionize public transport in Lagos,” said the Governor. “The Green Line Rail will connect key areas of the state, helping to build a transport system that is fast, efficient, and interconnected, in line with our Strategic Transport Masterplan.”
The project is expected to commence with an initial capacity to transport over 500,000 passengers daily, with a goal of increasing to over one million passengers as demand rises. By improving mobility across the state, the Green Line Rail will also support economic growth, create jobs, and enhance the overall quality of life for Lagosians.
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the new rail line will integrate seamlessly with the existing Blue Line, which recently celebrated its first anniversary. The Blue Line, which now runs 72 daily trips, has already transported over two million passengers and has significantly reduced travel time between Marina and Mile 2.
“These rail projects are more than just a means of transportation. They are engines for economic development, reducing travel time, connecting communities, and boosting productivity,” Sanwo-Olu remarked.
The Green Line Rail is set to run through major areas like Marina, Victoria Island, Lekki Phase 1, Ajah, Ogombo, and the Lekki Free Trade Zone, eventually linking to the planned Lekki Airport. The project is poised to address the city’s transportation challenges and create new opportunities for development in Lagos’ rapidly expanding commercial corridors.
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his steadfast support of the project, acknowledging his commitment to the growth and development of Lagos. The Governor’s administration, with this partnership, is laying the groundwork for a modernized, interconnected transportation network that will define the future of Lagos.
This MoU marks a significant step forward in Lagos’ quest to build a world-class public transport system, providing relief to commuters and creating a more efficient urban mobility framework. The partnership between Lagos, MOFI, and CHEC is expected to attract further investments and bolster the city’s position as Nigeria’s economic powerhouse.
