To think that one of the two gubernatorial candidates in the screenshots below prefaced his diatribe with “…has turned what was supposed to be a people-centric project into political propaganda laced with misinformation and false narratives” yet goes on to serve propaganda intended to mis-/disinform. I’m of the school of thought that “When people do well, give them their flowers!!!”. On the successful commissioning of the #RedLineRail, please give Governor @jidesanwoolu his due.
To avoid doubt, the successful completion of the Lagos Red Rail is a pointer to what can happen if sub-nationals and the FG collaborate for development – regardless of party. Here’s why:
1. THE RED LINE RAIL ROUTE –
The Red Line is a 37km North–South rail route proposed to run from Agbado to Marina with fourteen stations at Agbado, Iju, Agege, Ikeja, MMIA International Airport, MMIA Domestic Airport, Oshodi, Mushin, Yaba, Oyingbo, Ebute Metta, Iddo, Ebute Ero and Marina. Agbado to Ebute Meta has been completed and commissioned.
2. DEVELOPMENT PHASES –
Phase I, commissioned last week, serves Oyingbo to Agbado. Phase I of the LASG-owned Red Line Rail shares right-of-way with a portion (22 km) of the Lagos-Ibadan Dual Gauge Rail (part of the FGN-owned Lagos–Kano Standard Gauge Railway). LASG had previously partnered with FGN on this, alongside some upgrades. That is effective collaboration, which should be applauded.
Upon completion of the phases, the red line will cover:
*Red Line Phase I – Agbado to Ebute Metta – 27km commissioned
*Red Line Phase 2 – Ebute Meta to Marina connecting with the Blue Line
*Red Line Phase 3 – Ikeja to International Airport
*Next Phase – Green Line and Purple Line commence
2. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
a. STATIONS: LASG built 6 of the 9 station buildings – Iju, Ikeja, Oshodi, Mushin, Yaba, and Oyingbo. FGN built the remaining 3 – Agege, Agbado, & Ebute Meta stations for the Lagos-Ibadan railway.
b. BRIDGES/FLYOVERS:
There are ten vehicular flyovers (5 built by LASG and five being built by the FGN) to separate train traffic from road vehicles.
Pedestrian bridges were also constructed to enhance safety for pedestrians near stations.
I believe the Lagos Red Line project showcases successful collaboration between the public and private sectors, significantly improving urban mobility in Lagos. It also makes a case for long-term, sustainable planning at the sub-national level. As governor, President Tinubu institutionalised his strategic plan for Lagos, and the results have kept coming long after he left office.
In other news, I hear that Aba now has ‘light’- yet another example of Subnationals/FG/Private Sector collaboration to solve developmental issues. We’ll probably highlight that some other time.
Before you go… here are some key facts…
KEY FACT: Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) was created by an Act signed into law on January 13, 2002, by the then Lagos Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, now President of Nigeria.
YET ANOTHER FACT: A rapid rail line for Lagos was conceived in 1983 by Governor Lateef Jakande but was scrapped in 1985 by General Muhammmadu Buhari’s government at a loss of over $78 million to the state taxpayers. As Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu revived the rail network for Lagos State with a formal announcement of its construction in 2003. I’m sure many of you have seen the video.
So far, Lagos suburban railway has already transported over 580,000 passengers in its first four months – probably one of, or the largest inner-city rail service provider in Africa (source: LAMATA)
Final Take:
Mr President @officialABAT has said he is President for all Nigerians. Tell your states to bring impact-based development projects to the table – regardless of what party is in the leadership at the state level- and see if the PBAT-led Federal government would not support them wholeheartedly.
Credit Otega Ogra