Lagos State Secures License for Rail Services Operation

Lagos State has been granted a license by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to operate rail services, a landmark development in Nigeria's railway sector. Dr.

Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of NRC, stated that this move marks a shift from NRC's long-standing position as the country's sole railway operator to a system that allows multiple operators under a regulatory framework. The license empowers the Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) to continue operating services on the shared rail corridor of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line.

This development follows the approval by former President Goodluck Jonathan in April 2012 for the transfer of two federal rail tracks to the Lagos State government, laying the foundation for significant urban rail projects in Nigeria. Engr.

Abimbola Akinajo, Managing Director of LAMATA, praised NRC for enabling Lagos State to attain this operational status, emphasizing the importance of this partnership in enhancing urban rail services.