The Warri Area Manager, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Engr. Rufus Oladimeji, has solicited the support of private and commercial boat operators at various jetties within Sapele and its environs on the need to place priority attention on the safety of passengers who ply the waterways on a regular basis.
He emphasised the importance of Life-Jackets, noting that the Marine Safety Code 2023, has made it mandatory for boat operators to make its adequate provisions for all passengers on board, regardless the distance, sex or age of such a passenger embarking on a waterway trips both in private or commercial boats.
Speaking in a lecture delivered during a one-day workshop on Safety Awareness And Introduction Of The Marine Safety Code 2023, for Maritime stakeholders In Sapele, Delta State on Tuesday, Engr. Oladimeji, noted that part of the provisions of the Safety Code 2023, specifies that all offenders and violators of the Safety measures on boats shall be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent.
The safety awareness workshop
coincided with the inauguration of River Marshal by the Warri Area office with the mandate to carry out the enforcement of total compliance with safety measures as specified in the Safety Code, especially regarding the use of the Life Jackets, as part of the measures aimed at creating a safer and more conducive working environment for all stakeholders.
According to him: “Today, I want to emphasise the critical importance of safety awareness in our waterways, particularly the use of life jackets. Life jackets are the most essential safety equipment for preventing drowning and ensuring survival in emergency situations. They provide buoyancy, keeping our heads above water, even if we’re unconscious or injured”.
Continuing; he said: “Key benefits of Life Jackets includes; Prevents Drowning_: Life jackets keep you afloat, reducing the risk of drowning, Provides Visibility: Brightly colored life jackets make it easier for rescuers to locate you.
-:Enhances Survival_: Life jackets increase your chances of survival in emergency situations”.
“The Marine Safety Code 2023, recently gazetted and launched by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, aims to enhance safety standards in our waterways. This code introduces penalties for non-compliance with safety regulations, reckless operation, and other offenses”.
He added: “Marine Safety Code 2023 Objectives Improve Safety Standards, Enhance safety protocols for vessels and waterway users, Reduce Accidents, Minimize the risk of accidents and fatalities, Promote Compliance and Encourage adherence to safety regulations.
“To achieve these objectives, we must work together to Ensure strict compliance with safety regulations, Foster collaboration and information sharing among stakeholders and Encourage community involvement and incident reporting.
“In conclusion, safety awareness is crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring the well-being of all waterway users. The Marine Safety Code 2023 is a significant step towards achieving this goal”.
“Let’s join forces to promote a culture of safety and responsibility in our waterways. Note all offenders shall be prosecuted. “
Guinness Nigeria, in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Lagos State Sector Command, has launched the 2024 Ember Months Campaign to promote road safety during Nigeria’s busiest travel season.
With the theme, “Speak up against dangerous driving: Crashes kill more passengers than drivers,” this year’s campaign calls on passengers and the public to actively participate in promoting safe road practices by speaking up against reckless driving.
The collaboration between Guinness Nigeria and the FRSC spans over two decades, underscoring a long-standing commitment to fostering road safety awareness and reducing accidents during the high-traffic ember months.
The campaign was officially flagged off at a briefing in Lagos where Corps Commander Kehinde G. Hamzat, Lagos Sector Commander,FRSC addressed the media and shared his concerns about the seasonal increase in road accidents.
He noted that the ember months bring heavy traffic as Nigerians travel extensively for family gatherings, festivals, and ceremonies, which often leads to congestion, crashes, and, tragically, loss of lives.
“Our roads experience significant strain during this period, worsened by the reckless behaviors of some motorists,” said Corps Commander Hamzat.
“This year, we are not only intensifying our enforcement efforts but also focusing on empowering passengers to assert their rights. By encouraging them to speak up against unsafe driving practices, we aim to reduce the high toll of road accidents where passengers are often the most affected.”
Speaking on behalf of Guinness Nigeria, Mr. Rotimi Odusola, the Corporate Relations Director, expressed the company’s dedication to supporting initiatives that promote public safety.
“Guinness Nigeria has been a partner to the FRSC for over 20 years, and our shared mission remains steadfast: to make Nigeria’s roads safer for everyone. This year’s campaign focuses on empowering passengers and reminding everyone of the role we all play in ensuring safe travel,” he stated.
The 2024 Ember Month Campaign will feature a series of impactful activities, including a motorcade roadshow across four locations, Ojodu Berger, Ojota, Maryland and Ikeja where FRSC officials and Guinness Nigeria will engage road users and distribute educational materials on responsible driving.
This high-visibility roadshow aims to reinforce the message that road safety is a shared responsibility and that everyone has a role to play in preventing accidents.
The campaign will culminate in a town hall meeting on Thursday, November 14th, which will provide a platform for drivers, passengers, and other stakeholders to discuss road safety concerns openly. The town hall will emphasise the campaign’s theme, encouraging passengers to voice their concerns when they observe dangerous driving behaviors, ultimately fostering a culture of accountability on Nigeria’s roads.
Commander Hamzat highlighted the importance of such initiatives, noting, “The task of ensuring a safer motoring environment in Nigeria is a crucial and collective responsibility. Through educational efforts and empowering road users, we can work together to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities.”
As Guinness Nigeria and the FRSC embark on this campaign, they urge all road users to practice safe driving, report reckless behavior, and always remember—don’t drink and drive. This long-standing partnership between Guinness Nigeria and the FRSC serves as a powerful example of corporate and governmental collaboration to create a positive impact on public safety.
Even for Lagos, which many Nigerians admit progresses better than all other sister states, inclusive transportation has remained an illusion. For three days, transportation experts and policymakers converged in Eko Hotel to brainstorm on the fundamentals that must change if states want to build safe, inclusive, and climate-resilient urban transport that could make citizens opt for public transport. ADEYINKA ADERIBIGBE was there and reports.
None of the experts who gathered at the Lantana Hall of the Eko Hotels, Lagos, could fault Emmanuel John when he posited that for any state to be described as one with a functional transport system, it must be one that not only has a functional air, and water modes, but one in which its roads use are properly shared by vehicular traffic, trains, coaches, with cycling and pedestrian walkways, that encourages all classes of the vulnerable groups–aged, people living with disabilities, women and children–to have unhindered access to the road.That was the reality at the maiden three-day National Conference on sustainable urban mobility organised by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), to call the attention of all policymakers at the state levels to the need to develop their capacity to the demands of modern transportation systems that will be in line with global best practices.
John, an engineer and Chief Executive Director of Ochenuel Mobility, a leading consultant in urban intermodal mobility, argued that transportation will continue to have issues, resulting in unending traffic congestion, poor capacity optimisation and stunted economic growth, where transport development is skewed.
The grim fact is that even the host state, arguably the best in class, in terms of visible strides in the deployment of all multi-modes transportation is far from the goal. But the government insisted that it remains committed to the provision of basic transportation infrastructure that will be friendlier to the vulnerable groups–women, children, the aged and people living with disabilities.
While flagging off the conference on behalf of Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat said: “The theme “Implementing Safe, Inclusive, and Climate-resilient Urban Transport in a Digital Age for Sustainable Development” reflects the complexity and urgency of the work ahead. It challenges us to confront the intertwined crises of climate change, urbanisation and social inequality while embracing the opportunities presented by digital innovation.”
Hamzat said population growth, rapid urbanisation and economic development have continued to place increasing strain on existing infrastructure, often leading to gridlock, environmental degradation and social inequities.
Admitting that transportation is central to sustainable development as it connects people to jobs, commercial activities, education and other essential services which enhance economic growth and livability index, Hamzat argued that this reality presents policymakers with the challenge to rethink how best to design, build and operate our transport systems.
“In Lagos, we have made this a top priority by managing and modernising transport infrastructure. The Lagos State Government through LAMATA and Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) are implementing the sustainable Multimodal Transport system that will incorporate cleaner energy intra-city buses, light rail transit, modern inland waterway coaches and non-motorised transportation options, which include cycling and walking,” he said.
Hamzat said the Sanwo-Olu administration was deploying clean urban transportation solutions that included hydroelectricity, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), biomass, geo-thermal and solar energy.
He added that LAMATA was implementing pilot phases of the two clean energy transitions through CNG buses and electric buses that when deployed, would reduce emission and create a cleaner, quieter and less encumbered environment.
The deputy governor said the government was aware that sustainability was not about deploying cleaner energy buses, but ensuring the facilities were available to citizens, irrespective of class and status.
He, therefore, challenged the participants who are made up of transport commissioners or their representatives and private sector operators and subject matter experts, to come up with recommendations to promote inclusivity of sustainable transportation and its implementation strategies.
“It is good to get cleaner higher grade buses, but another thing is to ensure that everyone, including the aged, the vulnerable such as people living with disabilities and children are able to assess them,” he said.
While praising LAMATA for leading yet another conversation on how states can increase their investment in sustainable climate-resilient and inclusive transportation, the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said vehicular emission has emerged as a critical global challenge. In 2021, transportation accounted for the largest share of greenhouse gas emission, contributing 28 per cent of the total GHG emission.
“These emissions primarily from burning fossil fuels in our vehicles, ships, trains, and planes, adversely impact people and the environment through air and noise pollution, as well as carbon monoxide emissions, which have both direct and indirect harmful effects,” he said.
He said Lagos is deliberate in the implementation of crucial policies such as the deployment of electrification of transport, which promotes Electric Vehicles (EVs) and deployment of Blue light train, promotion of multimodal transport system which encourages the use of diverse transport modes such as buses, trains, bicycles and walking, thereby reducing dependence on private vehicles.
Others are the designing and building of roads and other infrastructure that are adaptable and durable, leveraging on technology to leapfrog developments such as smart traffic management systems, and policy innovations which support sustainable transportation, such as the promotion of the adoption of CNG and EV and massive investments in public transportation.
LAMATA’s Managing Director, Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, said the conference was aimed at creating a platform where stakeholders in the transportation industry would be able to deepen sustainable and inclusive urban mobility.
Akinajo, an engineer, said the conference would help in developing capacity on urban mobility to spotlight critical issues in the sector with respect to climate change, inclusiveness and technology.
Other objectives, she said, include lowering the contributions of transportation to environmental degradation, examining the financial complexities in building and maintaining sustainable public transport infrastructure, creating a networking for key stakeholders in the urban transport development, by providing a platform to showcase the success stories of the Lagos urban mobility in order to inspire other states to do same.
By institutionalising the LAMATA National Conference SUM, the agency hopes to lead the pack in building “the transformative capacity of other states and building experience in sustainable urban mobility.”
Case studies of some states at the conference were taken for peer review which aimed at further deepening conversations that would catalyse the interest of other sister-states to return to the drawing board on achieving a sustainable transportation system.
Kano State shocked many when it revealed that it has unveiled a transport policy with which it hopes to transform transportation development in the state. The Permanent Secretary of Kano State Ministry of Transportation, Adamu Bala Mohammed, said the initiative is called the “Green Paper”, adding that, like Lagos, Kano, in recent times, is taking steps to transform its transportation system.
Kaduna State, according to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure, Inuwa Ibrahim, has rolled out a number of initiatives among which are; Kaduna State Roads Authority (KADRA) and the Kaduna State Transport Authority (KADTA) and the Kaduna State Power Supply Company (KPSC) and the Kaduna Urban Renewal Project (KURP).
For him, the state, since 2017, has a 50-year strategic transportation and infrastructure master plan. He said Kaduna is almost concluding the reintroduction of its metro-train–the Kaduna-Kafanchan-Zaria line, while the contract for a new line from Kawo to Command Junction has just been signed with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
For Anambra, represented by the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Transport, Michael Obiekwe, the Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has commenced road constructions that are taking cognisance of promoting other modes of transportation such as cycling and walking.
He equally said the government is proud of the strides Innoson Motors, a leading motor manufacturing company based in the state, which has started the mass production of CNG vehicles as well as EVs, which are already being used by the state government.
He said Anambra State would not be left behind in the quest for a sustainable urban mobility as achieving the same is akin to promoting well-being and the preservation of the earth.
Ogun, whose Commissioner of Transportation, Gbenga Dairo, is the Chairman of the Nigeria Transportation Commissioners’ Forum (NTCF) also said it has delivered a transport policy, which a leading transport consultant, Dr. George Banjo, and a team of experts put together.
Fortunate to be a state contiguous to Lagos, Dairo, who was represented by a Director in the Ministry, said many of its initiatives on Bus Rapid Transit and rail are going to be extensions of the Lagos initiatives.
He said the state, in agreement with Lagos has agreed to extend the Blue Line from Okokomaiko to Agbara, a major industrial hub in the state, the Red Line, which is already at Agbado, an Ogun State suburb driven further inwards, the Green Line which ought to stop at the Lekki FTZ to be pushed to Olokola Deep Seaport in Ogun State, Purple Line from Ojo to Mowe to be further driven down to the Ogun aerotropolis, while the Yellow Line would be taken to Sango-Otta.
Dairo said the state will soon commence commercial operation of its cargo airport at Remo, massively invest in a port at Olokola Deep Sea Port, which, according to him, has the deepest draft in Nigeria; thus having a huge opportunity to attract bigger vessels.
He further said that a number of road constructions are ongoing simultaneously in the state to change the narrative as a state with the poorest road networks. He added that the state started the CNG conversion ahead of the Federal Government and has introduced CNG motorcycles in addition to the buses it had earlier introduced on dedicated corridors as pilot phase of the CNG initiative.
Dairo noted that the CNG and EVs are being deployed in the state in Governor Dapo Abiodun’s commitment to the reduction of GHG as a result of carbon emission from motor vehicles as part of the administration’s commitment to sustainable urban mobility.
Presenting the Lagos Transport Policy, Olasunkanmi Ojoowuro said the policy unveiled in May this year is all-embracing as it is a document that addresses the fear of inclusiveness of the many vulnerable groups and the sustainability of the environment through a number of initiatives such as the promotion of non-motorised initiatives, cycle lanes, promotion of pedestrian walkways to promote walking and the deployment of light trains with the third Green colour-coded train already in the works.
The deployment of technology in the area of traffic enforcement, smart traffic management as well as cashless payment of transport fares across all available modes of waterways, buses and trains, according to him, has revolutionised how citizens perceive public transportation.
On the state’s Bus Industry Transition Programme (BITP), Dr. Kemi Amure said getting the informal transport sector to key into the refleeting initiative driven by LAMATA on behalf of the state government has remained herculean.
Mrs. Amure, who is the Head of Bus Service at LAMATA, said the initiative has remained almost stagnated because operators are skeptical of being on-boarded.
However, the Omi Eko initiative, the public-private initiative driven by Caverton Marine, with LASWA representing the Lagos State Government, has redefined waterway travels since May when it commenced commercial operation, according to the General Manager of LASWA, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel.
Mr. Emmanuel said Omi Eko has added value to the state government as its water buses are modern, with facilities such as WiFi and charging ports where travellers are able to charge their hand-held devices. He said LASWA has continued to introduce a number of initiatives on the waterways which have improved water transit.
Group Captain John Ojikutu (rtd) argued that, unlike many of its colleagues, a thriving state such as Lagos needs its own metropolitan airport. He said citing the Lagos Metropolitan Airport around Lekki is a masterstroke as it would hugely contribute to the development of the new economic hub and reduce the potential traffic gridlock envisaged along that corridor as a result of the huge commercial and economic activities that are already springing up along the corridor.
For Emmanuel John, beyond gigantic projects envisioned by state governments, recovering public spaces for walkways and cycling in all the urban centres remain the focal point for sustainable urban mobility.
He urged government planners and engineers to prioritise construction of low-speed transit corridors, or the government should dedicate some corridors, or certain kilometres of roads in the heart of cities, states-wide, as car-free zones. He said in countries where this is practised, the initiative has led to improved condition of living, massive economic transformation and development and improved well-being of citizens.
The Director of Library Services, Nigeria Institute of Transport Technology (NIIT), Dr. Felicia Nwanosike, argued that women must be encouraged to take up roles in the transportation sector and given a chance in the male-dominated industry.
Her views were further amplified by the Director of SLR Consulting, UK International Development, Paul Curtis, in his virtual presentation of SHE CAN Tool who urged decision makers in the transport system to tackle sexual harassment.
He noted that harassment of the female folk could either be verbal, (threats, sexual comments) or visual (leering, photography), physical (groping) or psychological (stalking).
He listed poor lighting conditions, lack of surveillance by police or other security agencies, long waiting on deserted stations, both overcrowded or under-crowded areas, or travelling through high crime rate neighbourhoods, late evenings/night and absence of emergency numbers, among others as predisposing factors leading to gender violence.
Curtis, who admitted that sexual harassment is an international problem, canvassed Sexual Harassment Engagements (SHE) CAN, as part of the tools to promote gender-informed mobility and inclusion policies that could be promoted by African cities to make the transportation systems safer for all.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Research) of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Babajide Alo, canvassed that the way to preserve the earth is to ensure the transition to cleaner and safer energy modes that could power transportation, especially in developing countries.
He praised the Federal Government for adjusting upwards the price of petrol, which he said has led to a massive reduction in the number of vehicles on the road, even as he advocated for a more inclusive and intermodal system that would promote intermodal transit which would reduce the rate of carbon emission across board.
Among other speakers at the three-day event were the General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr. Tunde Ajayi, Group Lead, Air Quality Monitoring Research Group (AQMRG), University of Lagos, Dr. Rose Alani, Prof. Taibat Lawanson, of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Lagos, Christopher Kost, the Director of the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy, Nairobi, Kenya, and Ms Anabelle Dicarlo, Global Director CPCS-Transcom.
Others were Mr. Timothy Durant, Associate Professor, Transport and Mobility Planning, UK International Development, Mr. Ibiayo Araromi, CEO Chorus Technology, Alhaji Alhassan Dantata, Synergy Infrastructure and Investments, Ms Garima Taheja, of Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, USA, Dr. Paul Njogu, senior Researcher, Institute of Energy and Environmental Technology, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Dr Betrand Tchanche, an Assistant Professor of Classical and Quantum Physics, Alioune Diop University, Senegal, and Mr Amos Kamau, Emission Inventory Developer, Transport Sector, JKUAT, Kenya.
In a major push towards modernizing interstate travel, Lagos State has announced a new initiative aimed at improving safety and efficiency for travellers.
Addressing the media on Friday, Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, introduced the Lagos State Interstate Park Accreditation and Passenger Manifest Digitization project.
A key feature of the project he said is the shift from paper-based to digital passenger manifests across all interstate parks in the state.
This centralized digital platform, he further disclosed, will enable real-time access to passenger information, ensuring that emergency responders can act quickly and effectively in case of any incidents. Larger parks with existing booking systems will integrate directly into this new system, while smaller parks will receive devices and assistance to capture digital data on-site.
Osiyemi added that the project is designed to streamline operations at all interstate parks and ensure a secure, digital record of passenger information, enhancing both safety and convenience of passengers.
“Under this initiative, Lagos will implement a mandatory accreditation process for all interstate parks, certifying those that meet set standards for safety and service quality. Certified parks will display official signage, allowing passengers to identify accredited, trustworthy facilities. Unregulated “mushroom” parks, typically found on roadsides, will be encouraged to make improvements to align with the new standards.
Mr. Osiyemi highlighted the project’s benefits to include enhanced security for passengers, a credibility boost for park operators, and improved planning data for the state.
ResQ-X, a new mobile app for 24/7 roadside assistance, is set to launch in Lagos, offering a tech-enabled approach to solving the city’s persistent vehicle breakdown challenges.
In Nigeria, millions of vehicles break down annually, with Lagos alone accounting for an overwhelming volume of roadside issues. Currently, motorists often face frustrating wait times of 3-5 hours, limited service availability, and unpredictable costs. ResQ-X aims to change this experience, by providing a clear solution: accessible, efficient roadside assistance with transparent pricing, fast arrival times, and a commitment to user trust and safety.
ResQ-X ensures fast assistance by dispatching dedicated, geolocation-tracked first responders who arrive within 15 minutes. The trained technicians provide comprehensive on-site support, often resolving issues on the spot for a seamless user experience.
“Our goal at ResQ-X is to make roadside assistance accessible, reliable and transparent for everyone,” says Nosa Okoroji, CEO and founder of ResQ-X.
“We want to create a seamless, safe experience for motorists, providing fast response times and a service they can trust every time. With flexible subscription plans starting from just N3,000 per month on an annual plan, as well as a convenient pay-per-use option, we’re ensuring that drivers have 24/7 access to essential services.
“From battery jump-starts and flat tire assistance to fuel delivery, towing, key replacements, and vehicle health inspections, ResQ-X is here to provide a reliable, worry-free driving experience.”
With a single tap, users can access these services, track their assigned responder in real time, and receive instant updates on arrival. ResQ-X’s verified network prioritizes a feedback-driven quality assurance system that continuously improves the service to meet the needs of Lagos’s diverse driver community.
As ResQ-X approaches its official launch, the app has already gathered a waitlist of 3,500+ users and formed partnerships with 8 well-known industry providers. By combining advanced geolocation, 24/7 availability, and a local team dedicated to rapid response, ResQ-X is set to bring a transformative roadside assistance experience to the Nigerian market.
The African development Bank (AfDB) has approved $350million loan for the construction of a rail line between Kano-Maradi, it was gathered yesterday.
Declaring the National Assembly’s position after an oversight tour of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC’s) Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge system, yesterday, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Land Transport, Senator Adamu Aliero, said the Senate remained committed to ensuring that the NRC meets its mandate of modernization and rehabilitation of the national rail asset.
He restated the commitment of the National Assembly to the railway modernisation and rehabilitation under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The rehabilitation and modernization agenda was part of the 25 year Nigerian Railway Masterplan, which started under President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2000. The Railway Masterplan with railway rehabilitation and modernization components will run its full course next year.
Aliero said the oversight visit was the third by the committee to the NRC national asset across the country, as it had earlier visited the Abuja-Kaduna Train corridor and the Kano-Maradi corridor.
He said: “We have been to the Kano-Maradi-Dutse and Abuja-Kaduna corridors and this is the third one that the committee would be visiting in demonstration of our commitment to the NRC’s mandate by providing all the legislative support they needed to succeed.”’
Aliero said a supplementary budget of N530 billion had just been passed for the 2024 while the 2025 budget proposals is already been prepared, adding that the supplementary budget is meant to be sourced through counterpart funding where 85 percent is supposed to be sourced from either the China Exim Bank of International Finance Corporation (IFC) or Africa Development Bank (AfDB), for railway modernization and rehabilitation.
He confirmed that the AfDB only recently announced the approval of $350million loan for the construction of the Kano-Maradi rail line.
“Just last week we were at Gen. Yakubu Gowon’s birthday and the AfDB President told us that there a $350million has been approved for Nigeria, for the construction of rail line between Kano-Maradi, and equally the President of Nigeria was recently in China where he renegotiated the release of 85per cent counterpart funding for Ibadan to Kano by the Chinese government.”
He said the committee was impressed with what it has seen so far from Lagos to Abeokuta and from Abeokuta to Ibadan, adding that the committee is happy to note that a rail link has been achieved between Ebute Metta and Apapa Ports and freight services have resumed from Apapa to the Inland Cargo Depot (IDP) of Ibadan on the standard gauge and also on the Kano narrow gauge.
Aliero was accompanied by the Committee’s Vice Chairman Sen. Benson Friday Kombowei, Senators Sharafadeen Alli, Tony Nwoye, Kelvin Chukwu, Plang Dicket and the Committee’s Clerk, Solomon Jokotoye.
They were led round on the tour by the NRC Management led by the Acting Managing Director Ben Iloanusi, accompanied by a college of directors and other heads of units and management staff of the corporation.
On the issue of facilities being provided honestly we are very impressed with what we have seen, adding that the services being provided in the stations visited are comparable with anyone found anywhere in the world. “What we have seen here, can compete with what obtains in Europe and America or anywhere else around the world,” Aliero said.
“Even the ticketing system is so automated and it is difficult to commit any fraud. Service providers are contracted to handle tickets and the fees collected is shared on percentage between them and the federal Government in line with the fiscal responsibility act.”
On the issue of technical services Aliero said the committee is very impressed with what they have seen. “We are at Kajola and we spent close to one hour there, we are highly impressed by the technical services being provided by CCECC or CRCC, and we are happy about the measures being put in place for technological transfer that even after they had gone, Nigerians would be able to maintain the locomotives and coaches and that soon, we would be able to assemble wagons here locally. “This is the kind of thing we want because it is a catalyst for job creation and the prerequisite maintenance culture would be imbibed by Nigerians. Nigerian engineers are as competent as the Chinese or other European Engineers, all you need is to give them on the job training to improve on their technical capacity,” Aliero said.
The Committee chairman however appealed to governors to support the Federal Government by providing accessibility to the train stations. According to him, complimentary services are expected to be provided by the state governors in order to ensure that Nigerians continue to enjoy dividends of democracy.
“I wish to call on the state governors to do their own bit by providing accessibility to railway stations. It is not desirable to have railway stations in your state where thousands of people and millions of tons of cargoes are being transported without good access roads to the train stations. State governments are to come in and complement what the federal government is doing, particularly on the issue of interconnectivity.”
Aliero said is committee’s assessment is that a lot has been achieved under the railway modernization and rehabilitation programme which started during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s time and delivered by President Muhammadu Buhari.
He expressed happiness that the Eastern corridor’s rehabilitation is also on course, beginning with the Port Harcourt to Aba.
He noted that negotiations are ongoing now on the possibility of linking Aba to Enugu-Markurdi-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Maiduguri, commending President Tinubu for initiating the projects, which in total is close to 1000 kilometers of rail line rehabilitation.
Thirty-two-year-old Hassan Bello, in the Kpakungun area of Minna, is slowly recuperating from broken legs and wrists after being involved in a commercial motorcycle crash. He has spent two months at home without working, losing income as a tailor.
Recounting how the accident occurred, Bello told our reporter that the motorcycle had collided with a vehicle that was waiting for traffic to move because the motorcyclist was at high speed, “I told him to reduce the speed but he just laughed and said ‘Oga, no fear, na so we dey ride am’ and before I knew it, we were on the ground. Even the driver of the car held the motorcyclist despite being injured, asking him how the damages in his car would be repaired.
“Passersby rushed me to a nearby hospital where I was treated and it was discovered that I had broken my legs and wrists. After some days, I had to leave the hospital and return home to continue treatment as continued stay in the hospital would incur more debts,” Bello stated.
Sadiya Musa lost her mother, Amina to a road crash from a motorcycle in 2023 and still feels pains of the loss According to her, her mother fell from the motorcycle when it was hit sideways by a lorry, a development which no one could tell if it was deliberate or not. She and the motorcyclist fell and Amina hit her head on the road.
“She was rushed to the General hospital but was then referred to IBB Specialist hospital for a scan to know the damage caused to her head. We were told that she had internal injuries and money was needed for the operation, but we could not raise the money. We decided to go the herbal way but it made no impact. In short, my mother died as a result of the brain injuries she sustained from the accident”, she said.
Rukayyat Omoniyi’s 32-year-old son, Lukman, had his big and second toe cut away to help save his foot from being cut away after he was involved in a road crash on his motorcycle. His stepbrother, Idris was not that lucky as he died from the crash.
“My son limps now because he cannot walk straight again. His big toe and second toe are no longer there because they had to cut it off. We were told that if we didn’t cut it off, we would lose the whole foot.
“What happened was that he and his stepbrother were returning from work that day, and in their bid to overtake one trailer, they met another trailer in front of them and a car coming from behind them; there was no way they would have avoided a crash. It is just unfortunate that my stepson had to die and Lukman was seriously injured to the extent that he spent about a month in the hospital. It was a very dark period for my family “, she recounted.
Motorcyclists returned to the major roads across Minna in January 2023 after an initial two-year total ban on the use of commercial motorcycles on major roads across Minna; there have been various incidents of road crashes involving the motorcycles, which are popularly called ‘okada’.
In June 2021, the previous administration announced the total ban of motorcycles on Minna roads except for inner streets off the roads. The government said that the ban is one of the measures to ensure security in the state. Only private motorcycles were allowed to operate with restrictions from 9:00 pm to 6:00 am.
Immediately after the resumption of the new administration under the leadership of Mohammed Umaru Bago, motorcycles began appearing on the main roads riding like daredevils with nothing to limit their speed. Road crashes upon road crashes have been recorded as a result of the attitude of the Okada drivers on the road. Some of these motorcyclists carry as many as four passengers, and some parents use them for ‘school runs’ to carry their children to and from school. It is not new to see a motorcyclist carrying three children at the back and one or two children at his front.
The causes of road traffic crashes by motorcycles include wrongful overtaking and overspending caused by the impatience of the drivers to get to their destinations on time and pick up the next passenger in their bid to make more income daily. Accidents involving okada riders on the highways are usually fatal and have been on the increase across Nigeria.
The economic costs related to injury and loss of life from traffic crashes include money needed to treat injuries, loss of hours worked, vehicle repair costs, insurance or third-party costs, and costs of congestion from a crash.
The 2023 Social Statistics Report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) identified speed violations as the leading cause of road traffic crashes in Nigeria between 2020 and 2022. According to the report, road accidents caused by speed violations totalled 18,386 over the three years, with 5,472 incidents in 2020, 6,336 in 2021, and 6,578 in 2022.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.19 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes as road traffic death rates are highest in the WHO African Region and lowest in the European Region.
Road traffic injuries are said to be the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5–29 years as more than half of all road traffic deaths are among vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
The United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt, in an interview in July this year, said that not wearing a helmet is one of the main causes of fatalities and serious injuries on the road in Africa as he added that motorcycles are rising in popularity.
According to him, wearing a helmet reduces the risk of road fatalities by 42 per cent and injuries by 69 per cent.
A visit to some hospitals, both private and public, in Minna, showed that there is a record of victims of road traffic crashes, but the majority of the records did not show the cause of the crash the victims were involved in.
At the Minna General Hospital, the Head of the Department of Health Information Management, Yakubu Musa, said that not all road traffic crash victims were brought to the hospital, “I think some are taken to private hospitals, some to pharmacies or clinics while others are taken to their houses. We don’t receive all the crash cases here. Majority of the cases were brought by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)”, he said.
He, however, noted that since 2023, the record showed that there have not been less than 10 cases of crash victims admitted into the hospital, while this year, records have shown that road traffic crashes have increased by over 50 per cent more than in 2023 crashes.
He attributed the causes of the road traffic crashes to impatience, overspending and overtaking, “Most of the motorcycle accidents are caused when they hit vehicles or vehicles hit them in the cause of them overtaking”, he said.
Motorcycles ban remains – Niger Ministry
Despite the increasing presence of motorcycles on the major roads across Minna, the Niger state Ministry of Transportation has said that the ban on motorcycles against riding on major roads in Minna is still on the ground as the ministry added that those who are operating it are doing so illegally.
“The ban on motorcycles operating on the roads is still in place. The motorcyclists took advantage of the low level of enforcement to operate, but the ban is still on the ground. The ban is within two local government areas of Chachanga and Bosso”, said the Ministry’s Director of Land Transport, Engineer Muhammed Abdullahi.
On the enforcement of the use of helmets, he said that the state has not enforced it yet because of the ban in place, “any enforcement for the use of helmets will show that we have removed the ban and approved them plying the main roads. But that would be looked into when the ban is finally removed”, Abdullahi said.
One of the previous Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Boboye Oyeyemi, explained that the FRSC had to slow down on the implementation of helmets due to the ferocious attacks on its men by okada riders, among other reasons.
“We have to slow down a bit. When implementing, we met a brick wall in terms of religious and cultural issues. Many of our staff members were physically assaulted and some were killed. So, we have to review the situation and be strategic in our implementation. You don’t expose your personnel to such danger”, he stated in an interview in 2022.
The need for helmets
According to the Global Status Report on Road Safety, nearly 21 per cent of all road traffic fatalities reported in the survey involve powered two- and three-wheelers, such as motorcycles, mopeds, or scooters, due to the lack of use of lifesaving helmets.
“Head injuries are the main cause of death in most motorcycle crashes. Quality helmets reduce the risk of death by over six times and reduce the risk of brain injury by up to 74 per cent”, the report stated.
A motorcycle helmet reduces the impact of acceleration-deceleration forces on the brain, as well the impact of direct contact with an object or surface at the moment of a crash but there are also instances where the head is protected but the other parts of the body are not which are not covered by the helmet leading to broken legs, wrists and other parts of your body. On the other side, using helmets can decrease the risk of death in a motorcycle crash by 39 per cent and serious injuries by 72 per cent.
The Global Alliance of NGOs for Road Safety is advocating for a law to mandate the correct use of helmets by motorcycle drivers and passengers of all ages while riding motorcycles. The law, according to the group, must also require the helmets to meet the safety standard (national or international) and must be combined with enforcement that applies penalties for non-compliance and promotion that warns people about the law, enforcement, and penalties.
The Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030 set a target to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by 50 per cent by 2030. However, achieving this target requires the implementation of evidence-based interventions that are known to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries. Motorcycle helmet law, combined with enforcement and publicity, is one such evidence-based intervention.
Some countries have successfully reduced head injuries and fatalities from motorcycle crashes as a result of the enforcement of the helmet law, which Nigeria and states in Nigeria can take an example from.
Thailand has been able to decrease head I juries by 41.4 per cent and fatalities by 20.8 per cent from the helmet law, enforcement, and promotion and in Vietnam, 1,557 lives have been saved and 2,495 serious injuries prevented in the first year of enacting helmet law enforcement, and promotion.
Anticipation crackled in the air as friends headed to Ishaga, eager to experience the newly launched Lagos Red Line. Upon arriving at Oyingbo Train Station, they were entranced by its sleek design and the vibrant energy of fellow commuters. This journey promised more than just a ride; it offered a glimpse into the city’s dynamic future. ADEYINKA ADERIBIGBE, who has travelled the Red Line from Oyingbo to Agbado, reflects on the enchanting possibilities of this transformative transportation narrative, poised to redefine mass transit in the state.
Tiamiyu Adedamola and his friend Patricia were bubbling with excitement as they made their way to Ishaga. News had spread that commercial operations had begun on the Lagos State Red Metro Line, and they were eager to experience it for themselves. By 4:30 PM, they set off for Oyingbo Train Station, ready to immerse themselves in this new chapter of urban transport.
Stepping into the station for the first time, Tiamiyu couldn’t help but exclaim in Yoruba, “Eko ndabira,” meaning “Lagos State is performing wonders.” The grandeur of the station’s reception area left him in awe. The ticketing booth was their first stop, where they acquired a cowry card, essential for accessing the train. Without it, the adventure would remain just a dream. Across from the sleek, modern station stood the humble structure of the old Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) train station. While the NRC served the narrow gauge Mass Transit Train Service (MTTS) along the Apapa-Iddo-Ijoko corridor at a flat rate of N700, it paled in comparison to the Lagos masterpiece. This juxtaposition of old and new captured the essence of Lagos—a city where tradition and innovation coexist.
As they approached the platforms, Tiamiyu and Patricia felt the electric buzz of anticipation. The vibrant chatter of commuters, the soft hum of trains, and the scent of street food wafting in from nearby vendors created a sensory feast. They were about to embark on a journey that promised not just a ride, but a glimpse into the heart of Lagos itself. As they waited for their train, Tiamiyu reflected on the significance of this moment. The Red Metro Line wasn’t just a means of transportation; it represented progress, connection, and the spirit of a city that never sleeps. Little did they know that this adventure would offer them more than just a scenic route; it would deepen their bond and broaden their understanding of the vibrant city they called home. With a rumble in the distance, the train approached, and they knew they were in for a ride of a lifetime.
Then they realised that the fare on the modern train was N1500, double the cost of the narrow gauge service. This meant they needed to shell out N3000 for the round trip—a princely sum by any standard, especially when road travel seemed like a more affordable option. Yet, for Tiamiyu and Patricia, the new Red Line represented an adventure worth every naira. After making their payment, they headed to the departure platform. Here, passengers had a choice: take the lift, glide down the escalator, or climb the staircase for a bit of exercise. The station was thoughtfully designed, with restrooms clearly marked for both males and females tucked away in the reception area.
Upon reaching the second floor, they navigated to the access area, where their Cowry cards became their golden ticket. With a simple swipe on the scanner, the barricades parted, granting them passage to the boarding section. The excitement was palpable; this was unlike any travel experience they had ever had. Much like an aeroplane, the train was punctual and efficient, scheduled to arrive at each station in just seven minutes and pausing for a mere three minutes to allow for boarding and disembarking. At exactly 5:20 PM, the train’s journey to Agbado began, with Tiamiyu and Patricia among the eager riders.
As the train glided away from the station, they settled into their seats, gazing out the window at the vibrant Lagos landscape rushing by. This wasn’t just a ride; it was an introduction to the city’s rhythm, a taste of modernity intertwined with the familiar chaos of Lagos life. The journey had just begun, and they couldn’t wait to see what lay ahead. Patronage remained low on Wednesday, October 16, just 24 hours after the governor officially launched commercial operations on the rail corridor. Fewer than 20 passengers departed from Oyingbo, though numbers gradually increased at subsequent stops until they reached Agbado. The surprise that greeted passengers at Oyingbo was mirrored across all eight train stations along the 27-kilometre corridor, the first phase of a planned 37 kilometres that would eventually connect Oyingbo to Marina, passing through Iddo and Otto, and linking to the ultra-modern Blue Train Line interchange at Marina.
The remaining stations—Yaba, Mushin, Oshodi, Ikeja, Agege, Iju, and Agbado—boasted two-storey structures, each with a unique design that invited passengers into a warm, welcoming ambience. This experience felt more akin to stepping into a standard airport or a modern train station found around the globe. In stark contrast, the neglected state of road transport highlighted the advancements being made in urban rail travel, where the comfort and convenience of commuters were finally being prioritised. As Tiamiyu and Patricia travelled along the route, they marvelled at the transformation taking place in Lagos, recognising that this new rail line was not just a means of transportation but a symbol of progress and innovation in a city constantly evolving.
“Wow, we took a lift to get to the second floor, and we’re going to take it back when we want to get off the train—this is serious!” exclaimed Rosemary Anya, a nurse who had just boarded. The opulence of the experience was unlike anything she had encountered before, leaving her in disbelief. For Rosemary, this level of comfort and efficiency was truly unexpected in her part of the world, making the journey all the more memorable.
The Diesel Multiple Unit locomotive carried five coaches, allowing the Red Line to accommodate about 800 passengers per trip. With the government purchasing two trains, just one trip can remove approximately 58 medium-sized buses, known as Vanagons, from the roads. This not only helps decongest traffic but also enhances the livability for the average resident in Lagos. During the launch of commercial operations last Wednesday, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed his delight in providing Lagosians with effective alternatives for commuting. His primary objective is to significantly reduce travel time between Agbado and Oyingbo, cutting the journey that typically takes three to four hours down to just 45 minutes to an hour by train.
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasised the train’s potential as a game changer, noting that once fully operational, it could transport around 500,000 passengers daily, with projections exceeding one million when the second phase to Marina is completed. He committed to making this vision a reality by May 2027. The governor also highlighted the success of the Blue Line, which began commercial operations on September 4 of the previous year and has already served over a million passengers. He confidently stated that the Red Line would similarly address the travel challenges faced by many in the border communities, transforming their daily commutes.
Kolawole Ojelabi, Communication Consultant for the Lagos State Metropolitan Transport Authority, commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his steadfast commitment to the Transportation and Traffic Management pillar of the THEMES Plus initiative. He highlighted the historic achievement of delivering the second metro line within a year, noting that no other subnational entity in Africa has accomplished such a feat. Nollywood legend Jide Kosoko, who led a prominent cast of Yoruba actors to witness the flag-off alongside Sanwo-Olu, was eager to experience the train firsthand. Encouraging his fellow actors—Femi Davies, Yomi Fash Lanso, Richard Agbor, and others—he successfully convinced them to join him on the trip to Agbado. Kosoko praised Sanwo-Olu for introducing the Red Line, which marks a significant advancement in the state’s transportation system.
“You won’t even notice that the train is moving; it’s soundproof and incredibly stable, unlike the narrow gauge that creates so much noise,” he remarked. Kosoko expressed the excitement of Nollywood actors, emphasising their support for the positive developments in Lagos. “We are thrilled to witness these advancements in our lifetime and are committed to backing the state government in its pursuit of good governance.”
Mrs. Riskat Adebayo, a school teacher from Mushin, praised the Lagos State Government for introducing the new train service. As a mother of three, she noted that the train would offer her a much-needed alternative for her daily commute from Agbado to Mushin. However, she expressed concern over the fare, which she found burdensome given her learning salary, despite the Sanwo-Olu administration’s promise of N75,000. “I just don’t understand why the government set the price so high,” she lamented. Mrs. Adebayo wasn’t alone in her frustration; many passengers voiced similar complaints about the steep fares, which could discourage them from using the train service.
Fidelis Ugbome echoed these sentiments, labelling the price as excessive. According to the Lagos State Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA), the fare structure divides the corridor into two zones. For now, the cost for Zone One, which runs from Agbado to Oyingbo, is set at a flat rate of N1,500. Zone Two fares vary: Agbado to Agege is N500, while Agege to Ikeja is also N500. The fare from Agege to Oshodi and Agege to Mushin is N1,000, as are Agege to Yaba and Agege to Oyingbo. Fares from Ikeja to Oshodi and Yaba to Oyingbo are N500 each. LAMATA cautioned that these fares are subject to change at short notice, leaving many commuters worried about the affordability of their daily travel.
Despite the excitement surrounding the new service, some passengers are already encountering issues with card integration. Mr. David Adekunle, a journalist, found himself needing to purchase a new Cowry Card because the fee for his trip couldn’t be processed; the system indicated he was using a paper card. Flabbergasted by this excuse, he was relieved to have enough funds to buy another card and load it in time for his journey. Adekunle emphasised the need for a fare reduction to encourage greater public participation. “The fee has to be slashed to attract more commuters,” he argued.
Nevertheless, many agree that the Red Line has the potential to be a game changer, provided these issues are addressed. Supporting the call for lower fares, former Minister of Transportation Mr. Rotimi Amaechi urged the government to approach pricing with compassion. “No government ever breaks even by providing train services. It’s fundamentally a social service,” he noted. “The real profit lies in the cumulative economic impact of its presence. This could be the way forward.” As the train service evolves, it remains crucial for authorities to balance operational sustainability with accessibility, ensuring that the benefits of this new transport option are enjoyed by all.
On October 17, I boarded a train from the newly commissioned Red Line station in the Oyingbo area of Lagos at about 5:20 pm. My destination? Agbado, the last stop on the Red Line route. The experience signified a vital moment for Lagosians as the state continues to expand its transportation network, with hopes of easing the traffic congestion. While my trip was smooth, the observations I gathered along the way were quite interesting and painted a mixed picture of this new railway system.
The Red Line station in Oyingbo is strikingly designed, yet it was surprisingly uncrowded for a Thursday evening. Recently commissioned by the state government as part of its initiative to modernise Lagos’ transportation infrastructure, the station exudes a sense of progress. As I settled into my seat on the train, I couldn’t help but appreciate the comfort of the interior—spacious seats, effective air conditioning, and large windows framing delightful views of the city. It stands in stark contrast to the cramped buses that Lagosians have long endured.
However, the train was only about half full, and it was easy to see why—the boarding times were limited. Currently, the Red Line operates during peak hours: at 5:00 am and 5:20 am, then again at 5:00 pm and 6:40 pm. With just two departures in each direction, it’s clear that the schedule may not yet accommodate many commuters. A station staff member, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared that these limited boarding times are temporary. “As we attract more customers and adjust to the new system, we’ll expand our schedules. For now, we’re still finding our feet,” they explained.
The journey from Oyingbo to Agbado took an hour—far quicker than the congestion often faced on the roads. Passengers recognised this advantage, with some hailing the train system as a solution to the city’s traffic woes. I spoke with Madam Ifeoma, a local businesswoman travelling with her young daughter. She was enthusiastic about the service. “This is a real blessing for us in Lagos,” she said, smiling as her daughter gazed out the window. “It takes me hours to drive this distance. With the train, I’m not stuck in traffic. It’s reliable, quick, and much safer.”
Yet, not everyone shared the same enthusiasm. Umar, a commuter on the Red Line, voiced his frustration with the fare. “1,500 naira is a lot. It’s not overly expensive, but it’s not affordable either, especially for those commuting daily,” he said, shaking his head. Others echoed his concerns about the train station’s location in Oyingbo, noting that it could be somewhat challenging to find.
Despite these few complaints, the quality of the ride was undeniable. The train glided smoothly along the tracks, making several stops, each brief and efficient. At every station, a few passengers disembarked while others boarded, yet the train remained far from full. The staff appeared professional and well-prepared, instilling confidence in the journey. The absence of crowding allowed for social distancing, a welcome feature for health-conscious commuters.
At Agbado, I spent about 15 minutes before catching the return train to Oyingbo. The return journey was equally efficient, and although it was early evening, the atmosphere on the train was calm. A few passengers quietly dozed off, while others listened to music or recorded videos, unfazed by the honking horns of Lagos traffic outside. I even had the chance to chat with some content creators who had boarded specifically to “make some videos for the gram.”
As Lagos continues to grow, its transport needs are becoming increasingly pressing. The Red Line, though still in its early stages, represents a significant leap forward. It’s not perfect yet, but as the city adjusts to this new mode of transport and more trains and routes are introduced, it has the potential to redefine how Lagosians navigate their city. As Madam Ifeoma told me before alighting at her stop, “This is just the beginning. The real transformation of Lagos is yet to come.”
A bust of excitement from commuters heralded the train ride this October 18 morning as the Lagos Redline pulled out of its station at Agbado to its destination in Oyingbo.
The coaches drew a feeling of awe as the doors opened to an exciting cabin that smells fresh and is laid out like the London Metro tube train. As passengers found seats and settled in, lively conversations started almost immediately about how easy and convenient it was getting on board the train.
Still basking in the excitement of the train ride, conversations shifted to comparing this train service with those outside the shores of Nigeria. One passenger who was on a video call, told the person at the other end of the call that “he was taking a train ride in New York.”
The Agbado to Oyingbo train service operates four daily schedules between Agbado in the Ifo area of Ogun state and Oyingbo in Lagos State. On Thursday 17 October 2024, I arrived at the Agbado station at 6:35 am to take the 7:10 train to Oyingbo.
The process of purchasing a new payment card and making payment for the trip was seamless and took only five minutes. At 6:50 am, I got on board an air-conditioned cabin with beautiful seats immaculately laid out.
As I approached the first passenger and introduced myself, it was as though he was waiting to pour out his excitement. Mr. Tajudeen Olawale, a businessman in Oshodi, couldn’t contain his excitement.
He said words cannot describe how he feels taking the train for the first time from Agbado, as this was remarkably different from the old locomotive he was used to. He said “life is good on the Lagos Redline.” Mr. Ayomi, a staff of the Lagos state Ministry of Education, said this was a marked departure from the old locomotive service. One thing that stands out for him is the absence of thugs.
Being a new service, hitches and service disruptions are not uncommon. Mr. Cosmas Emeka, a businessman operating in Oyingbo, said it was difficult to access the Oyingbo train station the previous night for the 8:10 pm ride because the access gate close to the BRT station was shut and most commuters were unaware of the second access gate into the train station.
He also added that the Agbado train station was without power as he arrived at 9pm. This posed a serious security risk.
Passenger patronage is still low, considering the service is just two days old. On the 7:10 am ride, only about one third of the seats were occupied on the six coach train. Departing on schedule, the 27 kilometer ride had six stops at Iju, Agege, Ikeja, Oshodi, Mushin, and Yaba, before getting to Oyingbo. Average wait times at each station was four minutes, except at the Iju station where they had to deal with delayed payment issues. Despite spending 12 minutes at the Iju station, the train pulled into the Onyigbo station on schedule, at 8:27 am.
The Lagos Redline train service offers a pleasant commuter ride that should be kept and made even more pleasant.
