Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, on Monday , disclosed that the second phase of the state’s Blue Line Rail System will become operational by the first quarter of 2027.
Osiyemi spoke during the 2025 ministerial press briefing on the activities of the state government in the last one year, to mark the second-term, seventh anniversary of the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
He said the government had stepped up the use of technology-driven traffic enforcement measures to enhance road safety, boost compliance with traffic regulations, and modernise transport management across the state.
According to Osiyemi, over six million passengers have been moved through the Blue Line from Marina to Mile 2 since its inception.
He stated, “The Lagos Rail Mass Transit Line, developed by LAMATA, is a modern light rail mass transit system designed to reduce traffic congestion and improve integrated urban mobility in Lagos State.
“The Phase 2 infrastructure development of the Blue Line extends the corridor from Marina to Okokomaiko with continued track construction, station development, power systems installation, and supporting rail infrastructure expansion.”
Osiyemi added, “As we are all aware, we know that the Blue Line Phase 1 is from Marina to Mile 2 and is all electric. Phase 2 is the one that we’re taking from Marina all the way to Okokomaiko.”
Speaking in the Red Line Rail, a 37-kilometre rail route from Agbado to Oyingbo along the Nigerian Railway Corporation corridor, the commissioner said, “Phase 1, currently in operation, has been expanded with the procurement of 24 new coaches, configured as a three-set of eight coaches moving over five rail passengers each.
“Phase 2 of the project will go to the National Stadium to connect the Blue Line. We have the feasibility study of that project, but what I would like to say is for the Blue Line, we received the first three sets of coaches, and that’s also operational, which is why today we have been able to reduce the travel time on the Blue Line from 18 to 10 minutes
“And now we’re expecting the three sets of the eight coaches on the Red Line to come before the end of this year, and the moment we have that on the ground, it’s going to bring a lot of difference to public transportation in Lagos, then we can move a lot of people.
“We’re looking at an average of 5,000 passengers daily.
“In terms of the second phase of the Blue Line, I can tell you that before the first quarter of next year, we will be able to complete that and have a full life in full flow.”
On the Green Line project, which is a 68-kilometre rail connecting Marina to Lekki Free Trade Zone, through Victoria Island, Lekki, Ajah, and Shangotedo, and ending at Free Trade Zone, Osiyemi stated that it had about 17 stations.
He said, “The federal government has signed an MoU with a Chinese company. It’s designed to transport 35,000 passengers per hour. The funding was recently approved by the Federal Executive Council, as announced by the governor.
“The Green Line forms part of the state’s broader rail expansion plan aimed at enhancing the quality of daily movement for residents in the Lagos metropolis.
“With the Green Line on board, we would now have three lines, which will be the Blue, the Red, and the Green. We’re equally working on other Lines, there are studies ongoing.”
Osiyemi said the state recorded 737,340 traffic violations through its Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera system within the review period, underscoring the government’s growing reliance on digital surveillance and intelligent traffic monitoring to curb offences and improve compliance on Lagos roads.
He said the deployment of smart transport systems had become a key component of the administration’s long-term strategy to build a safer, more efficient, and globally competitive transport network capable of meeting the needs of the fast-growing megacity.
The commissioner also said the Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service had strengthened enforcement of the “No Vehicle Inspection, No Roadworthiness Certificate” policy through technology-enabled operations aimed at removing unroadworthy vehicles from the roads.
According to him, a total of 1,114,080 roadworthiness certificates were issued during the period under review, indicating increased compliance by motorists and vehicle owners with safety regulations.
He announced plans to introduce a Lagos State driver’s licence as part of broader reforms designed to improve traffic administration, reduce delays in documentation processes, and enhance road safety.
He explained that the proposed Lagos-issued licence would operate alongside the existing federal driver’s licence under a collaborative arrangement with relevant federal authorities.
Motorists, he said, would be free to obtain either the federal licence or the Lagos State driver’s licence, adding that the initiative is intended to simplify access to licensing services and strengthen transport regulation in the state.
Osiyemi reaffirmed the commitment of Sanwo-Olu’s administration to sustain ongoing transportation reforms and introduce innovative measures to tackle Lagos’ growing mobility and traffic challenges.
“The administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to consolidating ongoing transportation reforms and introducing innovative measures capable of addressing the increasing mobility and traffic challenges confronting Lagos,” he said.
Segun James
