There was an atmosphere of joy and excitement on Wednesday as the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his entourage embarked on first ride on Blue Line Rail from National Art Theatre, Iganmu to Marina.
On the Governor’s entourage included, his Deputy, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and hundreds of residents who went on the short trip as a demonstration of the readiness of the rail system.
The Blue Line begins from Marina to Mile 2 which is the first electirified light rail system in West Africa.
The ride marks the completion of substantial civil infrastructure for the first phase of Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT).
The Blue Line which is consist of 11 stations spanning 27km would carry not less than 250,000 passengers daily in the first phase. When the second phase, from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko is completed, it would carry 500,000 passengers on daily basis.
The rail system would provide thousands of direct and indirect jobs for the teeming youths as well as training to equip them to work in the rail industry.
The Governor reiterated on the need for commuters to be cautious and not cross the line because it is electrified.
The iniative of the implementation of the Transport Masterplan is the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) was established by former Governor of the State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in 2002 while the contract was awarded during the administration of current Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola in 2009.
Sanwo-Olu said, “The completion of the infrastructure for the first phase of the Blue Line rail is a strong testimony of our commitment to building on the legacies of past administrations, and the pioneering vision of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The first phase of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line stretches from Marina to Mile 2, covering five Stations and a 13-kilometre stretch, out of the total of 27km that is the entire Blue Line, and which will run from Marina to Okokomaiko. The line will be powered by electricity to be supplied from a standalone Independent Power Plant.
“The Blue Line no doubt has had an interesting history, with many delays in the completion, which I must say were not due to a lack of enthusiasm or commitment on the part of the Lagos State Government. I will not dwell on those challenges, we have put them behind us, and we will from now on focus on the benefits of this project, for our people.
“As I noted earlier, our Transportation Strategy is a multimodal one, bringing together the various elements of road, rail, and water, and ensuring that they are seamlessly integrated.
“Coincidentally, this location, in the Marina, is central to our integrated multimodal transport system, being a melting pot for all the transportation modes. I am happy to announce that we will be developing Marina into an integrated transport interchange, with the support of the French Development Agency (AFD).
“I am also happy to inform you that the three train sets for the commercial passenger operations for the Blue Line are already on ground. We will shortly be riding in one.
“Let me as I close appreciate everyone who has been involved in the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line project for the immense professionalism that has been put in to bring the peace in life.
“In addition to the visionary Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the designer and architect of modern Lagos, I would also like to thank his successor as Governor of Lagos State, the Honorable Minister of Works and Housing, His Excellency, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, CON, SAN, during whose administration the foundation for the Blue Line was laid in 2010.
“Let it go on record that within the resources available to him, His Excellency Mr. Fashola was able to complete the first four stations at Mile 2, Suru Alaba, Orile Iganmu and National Theatre, as well as commence work on the elevated section of the tracks up to Ijora.
“I want to also place on record the role played by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under the leadership of Mr. Godwin Emefiele. The CBN’s Differentiated Cash Reserves Requirement (DCRR) made it possible for three banks, Fidelity Bank Plc, Sterling Bank Plc and Access Bank Plc to pool resources together to provide credit financing for the completion of this first phase of the Blue Line. I am grateful to the leadership of the three banks for believing in us.”
In his goodwill message, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Mudashiru Obasa expressed delight over the completion of the project, saying it was an indication of the Governor’s commitment to deliver on his promise.
Obasa, “Today, I want to celebrate all of us because we have come to historic moment in our life. We commend those who initiated the project but one must commend Mr Governor for giving his support till the completion.”
He added that the House would continue to support the Governor, saying the delivery of the rail line should be seen as a Christmas gift to Lagosians.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde said, “The launch of the completion of infrastructure for the first phase of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line rail is a confirmation of Mr. Governor’s expounded vision for public transportation.
“In the last three and a half years, and with the support of Mr. Governor, we have improved 41 junctions, which have significantly reduced congestion within the identified localities, thereby promoting economic growth for both formal and informal sectors. Thirteen other junctions are currently under improvement while six others are at concept design stage of improvement.
“Mr. Governor in his quest to ensure effective and efficient management of traffic within the state, reduce road crashes and enhance free flow of traffic for its economic prosperity, graciuosly gave approval for the recruitment of additional 1,000 LASTMA personnel, a development which has reduced traffic infractions by 60% as well as enhanced recovery process by 87%.”
In his welcome address, the Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Engr. Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo said, “This is the manifestation of the audacious mind and the spirit of courage of Mr. Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his team in the State Executive Council.
“The Blue Line is one of the six rail lines and articulated in the Lagos State Strategic Transport Master Plan (STMP). The STMP is the brainchild of our Governor Emeritus and by the grace of God, the next President of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His successor, the current Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, CON, SAN, began the implementation as Governor of Lagos State in 2010 and for eight years, the state government under his watch funded the construction of the rail project from internally generated revenue. This is unprecedented in the history of rail construction anywhere in the world.
“The implementation continued howbeit slowly until Mr. Governor, Mr. Sanwo-Olu mounted the saddle. He metaphorically breathe a new breath of life in the rail project. He sees transportation as one giant component for any economy to thrive, hence it is the first pillar of the THEMES development agenda for Lagos. This speaks to the importance this administration places on Traffic Management and Transportation.
“To bring the Blue Line, a 27-kilometre rail route from Marina to Okokomaiko, to its present stage, our dear Mr. Governor, had to use a window of funding by the Central Bank of Nigeria, which pooled three banks – Access Bank Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc and and Sterling Bank Plc – together to fund the completion of infrastructure for the first phase, which is about 13-kilometre of the 27-kilometre stretch.”
She noted that the construction of the Blue line has been one of the most challenging projects the Lagos State Government has ever embarked upon, adding “To get to this point, we have had disturbances and delays in the relocation of submarine cables, submarine natural gas pipelines, and removal of underwater ship wreckages.
“The submarine geological conditions are complex, thus making construction in the lagoon extremely difficult. On a number of times, barges have collided with the trestle supporting our construction activities while the outbreak of Covid19 epidemic, and the long transportation cycle of imported equipment and materials have contributed to delays in the prompt completion of the rail project.
“Today the story has changed. Today, Mr. Governor and other distinguished guests will take the first ride on this train using our unified electronic payment system, Cowry Card which is currently the means of payment on our regulated buses and ferry services.
“In our projection, we reckon that this phase of the rail project would move no less than 250,000 passengers daily, while the entire line when completed would move more than 500,000 passengers. This will translate to a huge reduction in greenhouse gas emission. Besides, this rail system is powered by electricity, which again shows our sensitivity to protecting our environment and the future of our state.”
