The Nigerian Railway Corporation has issued a permanent operating licence to the Lagos State Government for the LRMT Red Line. This milestone marks the end of a 128-year period where the NRC functioned as the exclusive developer and rail operator in the country.
Dr. Kayode Opeifa, the NRC Managing Director, noted that the move signifies a transition toward a regulated, multi-operator rail framework. He explained that the federal government, under former President Goodluck Jonathan, paved the way for this shift in 2012 by transferring specific rail tracks to the state.
President Bola Tinubu officially launched the Red Line, which began serving commuters on October 15, 2024. The new licence empowers the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority to manage operations on shared corridors while adhering to an established track-sharing agreement. Beyond the licence, the NRC has provided training and capacity development for local transit staff.
Dr. Opeifa praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to public transportation and infrastructure investment. He encouraged other states to follow this model to reduce road traffic, lower logistics expenses, and boost industrial growth across the nation.
