The Lagos State government has announced that full enforcement of the electronic call-up (e-call-up) system will commence on March 1, 2025.
The technology-driven system was developed over two years in response to anticipated high truck traffic in the Lekki-Epe corridor due to the operations of the Lekki Deep Seaport, Lekki Free Zone, Dangote Refinery, and other major industries. The initiative aims to streamline logistics, prevent indiscriminate parking, and enhance operational efficiency.
According to the Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Transportation, Bolanle Ogunlola, the state government has given truck operators adequate time to integrate into the system.
Multiple stakeholder engagement meetings were held to educate operators on its benefits, and the enforcement timeline was repeatedly adjusted to encourage voluntary compliance.
“With enforcement now in full effect, the state government urges truckers to comply with the system. “Adequate time was given for stakeholders to come on board, and several postponements were made to allow total integration,” Ogunlola stated.
The first phase of enforcement, the Deputy Director explained, began on January 24, resulting in the apprehension of 10 non-compliant trucks. These vehicles were later released after assurances from stakeholders that they would adopt the system.
But on February 21, 11 additional trucks were impounded, leading to an attack on enforcement officers. Some suspects were arrested but later released in another demonstration of government’s goodwill.
She, however, warned that further leniency should not be mistaken for weakness.
“The state government warns that these acts of clemency should not be seen as weakness. From March 1, total enforcement will commence, and all violators will be apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law,” Ogunlola added.
Speaking on the broader implementation of the e-call-up system, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, said the initiative is critical for preventing traffic gridlock and ensuring seamless operations in the Lekki Free Trade Zone.
He stated that the state government will oversee traffic management and enforcement, ensuring that both wet and dry cargo trucks adhere to the new system.
Giwa also said the Ministry of Transportation had recently engaged major stakeholders including Pinnacle, Dangote, Lagos Free Zone, Lekki Free Zone, Lekki Port, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Ibeju-Lekki Local Council Development Area (LCDA) to discuss the system’s deployment and ensure full alignment.
He said his office is committed to proactively addressing the imminent challenges associated with increased truck activities in the Lekki Free Trade Zone.
With the full implementation of the e-call-up system, the state aims to create a structured, business-friendly environment in the Ibeju-Lekki corridor, ensuring that commerce, industrial activities, and real estate investments are not hindered by uncontrolled truck movements.
The Special Assistant to Lagos State Governor on Internal Audit, Dr Oyeyemi Ayoola, has called on the Internal auditors across Lagos State Government to be partners in progress with their peers.
She stated this in her keynote address to the auditors at the Association of Lagos State Local Government Internal Auditors, (AIGIALS) 6th annual lecture.
The annual lecture with the theme: “Strengthening Internal Auditor’s Incompetencies Through Integration of International Best Practices and Local Regulations,” is geared towards knowledge sharing, capacity building, and professional development for auditors.
Hammering on the need for good relationship with coworkers and supervisors, Dr Ayoola spotlighted the merits of liaison with her personal experiences in the industry.
She said: “As internal auditors, how do you see yourself? Your fellow auditors and principals should be people you liaise with, they are your partners in progress, display that. Better working relationship with your principals will improve your effectiveness at work and your output generally”.
The SA further elaborated on the need for the auditors to upskill and be fair in carrying out their duties, adding that it is an integral core of their career success.
Chairman of Ibeju Lekki Local Government, Abdullah Sesan, in his goodwill message, challenged the association to invest in technological advances to ease the work of the internal auditors.
Chairman of the ALGIALS, Mr Mogaji Oluwole, expatiated on the purpose of the organisation and its annual lecture, noting that it is a platform to bring auditors in the state together.
“Our aim is to gather to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in internal auditing, with a focus on enhancing our skills and capacity to deliver exceptional services to the Local Governments in Lagos State”, he stated.
Vice Chairman of the association, Aladesuyi Adekunle, in an interactive technical session, enjoined the auditors to leverage technology to enhance their productivity and performance.
He further enjoined them to take charge of their professional development as it is the bedrock of their expertise.
A finance auditing and tax consulting specialist, Dr Adekoya A, in his lecture highlighted the skills needed for an auditor’s competency, their roles, in alignment with the modern age and technological advancement.
Dr Adekoya, who mentioned various ways to efficiently carry out their work, further emphasised their roles as an independent objective body established to add values to Lagos State by helping with risk management hereby ensuring proper control.
Participants at the events were equipped with a knowledge of technical lessons that could be utilised in carrying out their duties at their respective local government areas.
Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment (MCCTI) has brought together major drivers and stakeholders in Lekki Economic Zone for collaboration towards accelerated development of the corridor.
The relations between the zones and enterprises became formalised yesterday in Alausa, Ikeja with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by Lekki Worldwide Investment Limited – representing Lagos State Government, Lekki Free Zone Development Company (LFZDC), Lagos Free Zone, Dangote Enterprise Zone, Alaro City, Lekki Ports and others.
Commissioner for CCTI, Folashade Ambrose. described the occasion as historic, as leaders of enterprises in Lekki Economic Zone rose above the walls of economic partitions and organisational divides to collaborate and set off a transformational shift that would redefine business and investment landscape in the zone.
She said: “Today’s event marks a significant milestone in our collective desire to ignite the latent potentials of the Lekki Economic Zone, exploring its huge opportunities and accelerating its development with the entrance of additional investments. It is part of the broader plan to transform the region into an economic and industrial hub, catering to various sectors including manufacturing, real estate, trade, logistics and services.
“The signed MoU reflects our concerted efforts to position Lagos as a key hub for trade and investment in West Africa, attracting both local and international businesses. The zone is expected to significantly impact the Lagos economy by creating a more diversified industrial base and offering numerous opportunities for businesses and investors.”
Speaking further, the commissioner stressed that the initiative would allow stakeholders such as government agencies, businesses and local communities to pool resources, share expertise, and collaborate on infrastructure development, leading to more effective and efficient use of resources.
The action followed multiple notifications and warnings issued to the affected facilities, directing them to approach the agency for registration and compliance with the Lagos State Health Sector Reform Law 2015.
Speaking about the exercise, the Registrar, LSTMB, Prince Babatunde Adele, said the government would not tolerate disregard for regulatory requirements, stressing that practitioners must comply with the law to ensure public safety and professional accountability.
The Police Service Commission (PSC) yesterday approved the appointment of Olohundare Moshood Jimoh as the Commissioner of Police (CP) for the Lagos State Command.
With the appointment, Jimoh becomes the eighth commissioner to occupy the seat within seven years.
He would be taking over from Olarenwaju Ishola, who was appointed last September following the elevation of his predecessor, Adegoke Fayoade, to the rank of an Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG).
Jimoh, a former Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), has served in key positions, including CP Communications Operations, Force Headquarters, CP Eastern Port, Rivers State, Deputy Commissioner, Airport Command; Deputy Commissioner, Finance and Administration, Kwara State and Deputy Commissioner General Investigations, FCID, Alagbon.
His appointment followed an interview yesterday in Abuja by the Chairman and Commissioners of the PSC, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd.), retired Supreme Court judge, Justice Adamu Paul Galmuje, and DIG Taiwo Lakanu (retd.).
Jimoh would be bringing to bear his vast experiences in combat operations, counter-terrorism, social construction and management, maritime rescue operations, and anti-hijacking techniques and tactics.
Confirming Jimoh’s deployment, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), said the IGP expected him to utilise his extensive background in communications, administration and public relations, combined with his operational expertise, which uniquely qualified him to head the Lagos State Police Command.
Adejobi said Jimoh’s appointment was expected to strengthen coordination among units, enhance community engagement, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism in Lagos State.
“The Inspector-General of Police has charged CP Jimoh Moshood to uphold the rule of law and maintain operational excellence as he assumes his new role and to lead with unwavering integrity, enforce discipline, and implement proactive strategies to safeguard lives and property,” Adejobi said.
With just five months in the saddle as the Lagos Police Commissioner Ishola, who was due for retirement in October, was replaced by the PSC and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to bolster internal security and enhance operational effectiveness.
Eight commissioners in seven years
In the last seven years, the Lagos State Police Command has witnessed a rapid succession of leadership, with eight different commissioners taking charge. Some served less than a year.
Below are the names of the commissioners and the duration of their tour of duty in the command:
Iwohimi Edgal resumed duty on August 31, 2O17 and held sway till February 6, 2019, shortly before the postponed general elections, when he handed over to Zubairu Muazu.
Muazu stayed in office until his promotion to Assistant Inspector General (AIG) on November 14, 2019. He handed over to Hakeem Odumosu, who held the position until January 24, 2022, when he was deployed as a result of his promotion to the rank of AIG.
Abiodun Alabi was in charge from January 24, 2022 till his elevation to the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police and handed over to Idowu Owohunwa on February 14, following his promotion to AIG.
Similarly, Owohunwa led the command for eight months (February 14 to December 14 2023) and was redeployed as a result of his promotion to the rank of AIG.
Adegoke Fayoade succeeded Owohunwa. He held the position until September 17, when he too was moved up to AIG and posted to Zone Two.
Olanrewaju Ishola got the baton from Fayoade. Ishola held the position for five months before his replacement with Olohundare Moshood Jimoh.
Security experts have called for the establishment of fixed tenures for commissioners of police in strategic states to enhance public safety and security.
They proposed that except in cases of death, incapacitation, gross misconduct, or abuse of office, every police commissioner should serve a minimum of two years in a command.
This stability could help maintain continuity in crime-fighting strategies and build trust within the community.
Lagos State Government has warned newly recruited and converted procurement officers to steer clear of corruption, negligence, or any breach of due process.
It said violation would attract penalties.
The government said any officer caught engaging in fraudulent procurement practices would face the full wrath of the law.
At the opening of a two-day induction, the Director General of Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Mr. Fatai Onafowote, urged the officers to safeguard public resources, saying their role was critical in maintaining transparency and efficiency in governance.
He said government would not tolerate any attempt to manipulate procurement processes or engage in underhand dealings.
He told the inductees that public service was a call to duty, not a gateway to illegal enrichment.
“You must brace up for the challenges ahead and be prepared to make sacrifices, to keep Lagos public service vibrant and progressive. Any officer found guilty of breaching procurement regulations—either deliberately or through negligence—will face disciplinary actions,” Onafowote said.
He said procurement officers must adhere to rules and regulations, adding that there were severe consequences for those who attempted to circumvent due process.
PTML Terminal, the largest multipurpose terminal in West Africa, recently made history with the arrival of the MV Great Cotonou, the first Con-Ro (Container-Roll-on/Roll-off) vessel, which reached Lagos from Shanghai, China, in a record 27 days.
The operators of the terminal said this milestone marks a significant advancement in maritime trade between China and Nigeria, reducing transit times and enhancing logistics efficiency.
Owned by global shipping giant Grimaldi Group, which also operates PTML Terminal, the MV Great Cotonou is set to transform regional trade by offering the fastest transit time on this route—just 27 days.
Unlike other shipping services that require transshipment at intermediary ports, this direct service ensures faster and more reliable delivery for Nigerian importers, eliminating delays and additional handling costs.
With this innovative service, Nigerian businesses can now receive not only containerized cargo but also vehicles—including cars, vans, trucks, and project cargo—all on the same vessel.
This unique multimodal transport solution presents a substantial logistical advantage, streamlining supply chains and reducing overall costs for importers.
PTML Terminal is well-equipped to handle this new service, boasting state-of-the-art facilities, easy port access, and a dedicated workforce to ensure seamless operations.
The terminal’s highly efficient cargo-handling capabilities will further enhance the benefits of this direct shipping route.
The vessel’s arrival was commemorated with a high-profile welcoming event attended by key figures in the maritime industry. Among those present were Andrea Grimaldi, representing the Grimaldi family, alongside Giampaolo Vitale, Line Manager, and Salvatore Califano, Director of Grimaldi. PTML’s Managing Director, Ascanio Russo, also attended the event, emphasizing the significance of this milestone.
Speaking at the event, Russo stated: “The arrival of the Great Cotonou at PTML represents a pivotal moment for Nigerian importers.
“This service will significantly reduce transit times and logistics costs while offering unmatched convenience by accommodating various types of cargo in a single shipment.”
“We have the infrastructure, the expertise, and the human capital, and we will offer great service to our importers and exporters.
“The arrival of this ship and this new service will definitely create many more opportunities for our terminal, workers, host community, and Nigeria as a whole.
“This is the largest container-RoRo ship coming to Africa, and we have upgraded our facilities to receive this kind of vessel.
“We have recently acquired a massive mobile harbour crane costing more than USD 10 million. Additionally, we had to upgrade our infrastructure, including the quayside, with an investment exceeding USD 5 million just to accommodate these ships,” Russo said.
Also speaking, Andrea Grimaldi said, “Our goal is to create a fast and efficient trade link between Shanghai and West Africa, particularly Lagos.
“The Great Cotonou offers a direct connection with a rapid 27-day transit. We are starting with Shanghai, but as demand grows, we plan to expand our coverage to other Chinese ports and beyond.”
With this groundbreaking development, Nigerian businesses and logistics operators now have access to a faster, more efficient, and cost-effective trade link with China
The direct Shanghai-to-Lagos route reinforces Lagos as a key hub in global maritime logistics, strengthening Nigeria’s position as a leading player in West African trade.
As PTML Terminal continues to expand its service offerings, the launch of this direct shipping route, the operators of the terminal said, stands as a testament to its commitment to enhancing trade, boosting economic growth, and providing world-class logistics solutions in Nigeria.
Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) and WaterAid have signed a contract to rehabilitate the defunct Akilo Micro Waterworks scheme.
The contract signing and awards ceremony took place at the corporation’s office in Ijora.
The project, with Armani Beauty as one of the partners, is to provide potable water to communities in the Ifako-Ijaiye area of the state.
Speaking at the event, LWC Managing Director, Mukhtaar Tijani, said the facility, when completed, will serve over 100,000 households in the area.
“We acknowledge the importance of this project. There have been baseline and household studies carried out around Akilo before we arrived at the contractor that will be implementing this waterworks project, which will benefit 100,000 residents,” the corporation boss said.
He disclosed that the project’s contractor, Rigmars Projects Limited, will move to the site as soon as part payment is made, and he added that the project will be completed within six months.
Also speaking at the event, Evelyn Mere, the Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, said the possibility of bringing the project to life through the collaborative efforts WaterAid and LASWARCO was thoroughly reviewed “from the technical assessment to the finalisation of the procurement process.”
Emphasising the importance of clean potable water, Mere said, “The huge burden of lack of access to safely managed water, sanitation, and hygiene services impacts heavily on health,” adding that “about 90% of deaths caused by diarrheal diseases are linked to unsafe water, poor sanitation, and hygiene.”
“WaterAid is making a strategic shift to interventions that serve large groups of people. Hence, this contract signing, and awards event is enabling us to achieve this strategic objective,” she said.
In his speech, Nwankwo Chimechefolam, the Managing Director of Rigmars Projects Limited, thanked LASWARCO and WaterAid for the opportunity to work on the project and assured them of its quality and timely delivery.
Lagos State faces recurring flooding challenges worsened by climate change, poor urban planning, and inadequate drainage systems. Despite government’s efforts like drainage projects, demolition of illegal structures, and resilience initiatives, issues such as waste disposal and unregulated sand mining persist. Thousands are displaced annually, highlighting the need for stronger community engagement, regulatory enforcement, and sustainable infrastructure. As heavy rains approach, concerns remain about the city’s readiness to mitigate the impact of flooding. Udeh Onyebuchi reports.
AS the rainy season looms, concerns over Lagos, Nigeria‘s bustling commercial capital and its readiness to combat the perennial threat of flooding are once again at the forefront. The sprawling metropolis, home to over 20 million people, faces a complex web of challenges exacerbated by climate change, poor urban planning, and inadequate drainage systems. While state authorities have implemented various flood mitigation measures over the years, the effectiveness of these strategies remains a topic of heated debate.
A city under siege by water
For decades, Lagos has battled the recurring threat of flooding. The city’s unique geography—sitting on a low-lying coastal plain—combined with rapid urban expansion, has created a perfect storm of environmental challenges. Sea levels are rising, and parts of Lagos are sinking at an alarming rate of up to 87 millimeters per year. “It is a cause and effect thing,” warns Mahmoud Adegbite, Lagos State’s Minister of Environment and Drainage Services. “Every heavy rain season, the fight to keep the streets dry becomes more pressing, as illegal structures and blocked drainage channels conspire to worsen the impact.”
Indeed, much of Lagos’s flood woes can be traced back to poor urban planning and the relentless pace of development. In neighborhoods like Okokomaiko, Isheri, Ikeja, Ipaja, Lekki and Apapa, makeshift settlements have sprung up in defiance of planning laws. Residents, often at the mercy of nature, face not only the water but also the specter of demolition, as the government enforces regulations on illegally constructed buildings.
Sand mining: the hidden industry
While aging infrastructure and unplanned urban growth have long been blamed for the city’s recurring inundations, a less conspicuous menace is also at work. An unregulated and largely clandestine industry – sand mining – is rapidly eroding Lagos’s natural coastal defenses. Environmental advocates point to the rampant extraction of sand along Nigeria’s coastlines as a key factor behind the destruction of wetlands and natural buffers that once sheltered the city from storms and rising sea levels.
Recently, the minister of works, David Umahi, issued a stern directives aimed at curbing this threat. He mandated that approval for mining beneath bridges in Lagos State should be restricted to a minimum distance of 10km from the center of any bridge.
“Sand is being filled by ocean current, the piles we have in all our Lagos bridges are being secured by sand holding the piles, and so when you are harvesting this sand, they begin to go away from the piles, and so the piles are left with nothing holding it, which is very dangerous,” he said.
According to environmental activist, Desmond Majekodunmi, “By digging into the lagoon, you are causing erosion; you are upsetting the natural balances of nature. Whenever man intervenes and upset a natural balance of nature you are going to have a reaction.”
Recent studies have shown that nearly 59 percent of Lagos’s wetlands have vanished in the past decade. “These ecosystems are our frontline defense,” explains Charles Adeniji, the Managing Director at West African Gas Pipelines Company (WAGPCO). “Sand dredgers are depleting the sand along the Iworo-Ajido-Badagry coastal area at an alarming rate, which is threatening the operation of the pipelines system and livelihood of residents in the area.”
As construction booms continue in upscale districts, the economic benefits of sand mining are pitted against the long-term sustainability of coastal protection and residents’ livelihoods, particularly among the poorer communities who depend on local fisheries and agriculture.
Government efforts and ongoing challenges
Over the past two decades, both federal and state governments have launched a series of ambitious projects to combat flooding. In 1999, the establishment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) marked the beginning of a coordinated approach to disaster management, further bolstered by the National Disaster Management Framework of 2010. Lagos State, in particular, has invested heavily in physical infrastructure. Between 2006 and 2013, key projects such as the construction of 69 kilometers of concrete secondary stormwater drainage and the ongoing “Great Wall of Lagos” have sought to stem the flow of floodwaters from vulnerable areas.
Additional efforts have included the dredging and maintenance of 32 rivers, channelisation projects, and the demolition of buildings that obstruct water channels.
“When you remove structures that block natural water flows, you create a clear pathway for the rainwater to escape,” said Adegbite, defending the state’s tough but necessary demolition policies.
Yet, despite these initiatives, challenges remain daunting. In many parts of the city, poorly maintained and clogged drainage systems continue to impede water flow. Lagos State Waste Management Authority’s Muyiwa Gbadegesin acknowledges that improper waste disposal – especially the indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels – is a major contributor to the flooding crisis. “We are transitioning to a more circular waste management system,” Gbadegesin remarked.
The toll on communities
The human cost of Lagos’s struggle with water is stark. Recent assessments by the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) and NEMA paint a grim picture: In December 2024 alone, over 275,000 individuals in 48,403 households were affected by flooding across 14 local government areas. Areas such as Eti-Osa, Kosofe, Ikeja, Oshodi-Isolo, Ifako-Ijaye, Surulere and Alimosho recorded significant levels of displacement, with thousands forced from their homes as water surged into communities.
“In neighborhoods like Jakande Estate, where 2,000 people were recently displaced, the signs of distress are all too clear,” reports an official from NEMA’s Lagos Territorial Office. Many of those affected were forced into makeshift accommodations under tents or crammed into the homes of relatives, underscoring the urgent need for more sustainable housing and flood-resilient infrastructure.
A future in Peril
Looking ahead, the future of Lagos appears increasingly precarious. Climate models indicate that by 2050, precipitation rates could double, and by 2100, sea level rise might leave half of the city underwater. Experts warn that without further proactive measures, Lagos could face permanent displacement of entire communities.
The insurance sector too remains largely unprepared to manage these emerging risks. With limited products available for standalone flood risks and significant data challenges, insurers have been slow to develop tailored solutions that could help mitigate losses. Banks and investors have shown interest in such products to safeguard their loan books, but the high premiums and lack of technical expertise continue to be major roadblocks.
A call for collaboration and innovation
Despite the grim outlook, there are signs of hope. The establishment of the Lagos State Resilience Office (LASRO) in 2019 – a partnership between the state government and the Rockefeller Foundation’s 100 Resilient Cities initiative – represents a multidisciplinary approach to fortifying the city against chronic and acute shocks. LASRO’s mandate includes coordinating flood risk management activities, funding research, and developing policies that span the public and private sectors.
The need for a unified response has never been clearer. Experts insist that collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies is essential. The recent clashes between state and federal authorities over sand mining regulations underscore the urgent necessity for an integrated regulatory framework that protects both economic interests and the environment.
Community resilience and individual responsibility
Beyond government action and infrastructural investments, community-level initiatives are also emerging. Local sweepers and scavengers play a crucial, if underappreciated, role in keeping drainage channels clear of debris, especially during the heavy rains. Grassroots campaigns aimed at educating residents about proper waste disposal practices are gaining momentum, emphasising that flood prevention is a shared responsibility.
“Flooding in Lagos is a multifaceted problem,” explains a community organiser in Ikorodu. “It’s not just about the rain; it’s about how we treat our environment, the buildings we construct, and the way we dispose of our waste. Each one of us must do our part.”
Such sentiments are echoed across various neighborhoods, where local leaders are calling for stricter adherence to building codes and more robust enforcement of planning laws.
Preparing for the storm
As the next rainy season approaches, the specter of flash floods looms large over Lagos. Recent forecasts by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have alerted residents and authorities alike to the possibility of early onset rains in several coastal states, including Lagos. The predicted high-intensity rainfall in May and June has spurred urgent calls for preparedness, particularly in light of previous episodes where heavy downpours led to gridlock on major thoroughfares such as the Third Mainland Bridge and widespread disruption of daily life.
In response, NEMA, alongside local emergency management agencies, has ramped up its early warning systems and disaster response protocols. Field assessments conducted between 1 and 6 December 2024 have provided critical insights into the immediate needs of flood-affected communities, guiding relief efforts that include the evacuation of vulnerable households, repair of damaged infrastructure, and temporary housing arrangements for displaced persons.
Yet, as officials scramble to respond to immediate threats, long-term solutions remain a pressing priority. “We must move from reactive measures to proactive, strategic planning. Investing in sustainable infrastructure today is the only way to safeguard our communities from the ravages of tomorrow,” experts assert.
The road ahead
Lagos State stands at a pivotal moment. With the combined pressures of climate change, unchecked urban expansion, and environmental degradation through activities like illegal sand mining, the city’s resilience is being put to the ultimate test. While significant investments have been made over the years – from massive drainage projects and coastal protection initiatives to the establishment of dedicated resilience offices – the effectiveness of these measures will depend on continued innovation, stringent enforcement of regulations, and above all, a collaborative approach that bridges the gap between policy and practice.
For many Lagosians, the coming rains are both a reminder of nature’s fury and a call to action. “We live with the constant fear of the next flood,” says a resident of Alimosho, whose home was recently affected by heavy rains.
“Though part of the Orchid road has been done but we are hoping that they will finish before the rain season starts. We appreciate the state government for chasing and demolishing the shanties that majorly contribute to the flood in the area,” said an Orchid resident.
As the dark clouds gather on the horizon, the question remains: How prepared is Lagos State ahead of the rain?
The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has announced an expansion of the Red Line train service to improve rail transportation along the Agbado-Oyingbo corridor.
In a statement on its X handle on Saturday, LAMATA confirmed that the enhanced schedule will commence on Monday, February 10, 2025, featuring more frequent trips during peak hours.
“The Red Line train service will increase its capacity, providing full service during the AM peak hours, effective Monday, February 10, 2025,” the statement reads.
Under the new schedule, the Red Line will operate five morning trips and four evening trips daily, making a total of nine trips per day—an upgrade from the previous two-morning trips from Agbado to Oyingbo.
“The Red Line will now operate five-morning trips and four evening trips daily, totaling nine trips per day. Previously, two-morning trips were available from Agbado to Oyingbo,” LAMATA confirmed.
This expansion aims to offer commuters more travel options and a smoother experience with reduced delays.
“The change in schedule provides commuting options for Lagos residents traveling along the Agbado to Oyingbo corridor. The Red Line guarantees residents reduced travel time, with a total journey duration of 50 minutes from Agbado to Oyingbo and a reduced waiting time at each station of only two minutes,” the statement added.
LAMATA also announced plans to further enhance service capacity with the arrival of three new train sets in the coming months.
“In the coming months, the arrival of three new train sets will further enhance the Red Line’s capacity and service to Lagos residents,” LAMATA noted.
