The Lagos State Government has updated its Strategic Transport Master Plan, increasing the rail infrastructure goal from six to 11 rail lines alongside a monorail project. This shift aims to better serve the transportation requirements of the city’s rapidly expanding population.
The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority confirmed the update after partnering with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation. The two entities signed an agreement to build a Railway Training Centre, which will focus on training local personnel to manage the state’s growing transit assets.
Abimbola Akinajo, the Managing Director of LAMATA, stated that the revision aligns with the long-term goal of an integrated public transport network. The state intends to rely heavily on a local workforce for maintenance and operations, which is expected to boost the economy and create new career opportunities. Currently, over 400 staff members have been trained for the Blue and Red lines, with the Blue Line achieving a 90 per cent local staffing rate.
CCECC Vice President Sun Xiangchun noted that the facility will integrate theoretical learning with practical, simulation-based training. This initiative is a core component of the Lagos State 2050 Mobility Master Plan, which emphasizes rail, bus, and ferry systems to mitigate traffic congestion. Future plans include the Green, Purple, Orange, and Yellow lines, as well as a potential extension of the Red Line into Ogun State.
