5th September, 2024
The Lagos State Government, Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of the Green Line Rail Project in Lagos.
The MoU, witnessed by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Olawale Edun, and key officials, was signed during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, China.
This partnership will see MOFI and CHEC provide the financing, design, operation, and maintenance of the Green Line, which will complement the already operational Blue and Red Lines, serving thousands of Lagos residents daily.
Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the transformative impact of the Green Line Rail, which will link major areas such as Victoria Island, Lekki, and Ajah.
“This historic MoU marks the beginning of an ambitious project that will redefine public transportation in Lagos,” said Sanwo-Olu. “The Green Line, a 68km rail running from Lekki Free Zone to Marina, will connect with the Blue Line, linking key areas and revolutionizing our transport infrastructure.”
At launch, the rail line is expected to transport over 500,000 passengers daily, with capacity projected to rise to over a million as demand increases. The Governor emphasized that the project aligns with the state’s Strategic Transport Masterplan, which aims to build a fast, efficient, and interconnected transport system in Lagos.
The Green Line complements existing lines, including the Red Line, which has begun partial operations.
Sanwo-Olu also noted the success of the Blue Line, which recently celebrated its first anniversary, having transported over two million passengers without significant disruptions. “In August 2024, the Blue Line increased its daily trips from 54 to 72, cutting travel time between Marina and Mile 2 from 30 to 18 minutes,” he said.
“These rail lines are more than just transportation—they are engines of economic growth, connecting communities, reducing travel times, and improving the quality of life for millions,” the Governor stated.
Sanwo-Olu extended his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support of the Green Line project, acknowledging his commitment to Lagos’ continued growth and development.
The Green Line Rail will run through Marina, Victoria Island, Lekki Phase 1, Ajah, Ogombo, and other strategic locations, ultimately connecting to the Lekki Free Trade Zone and the planned Lekki Airport.
