- NRC Grants Lagos Permanent Licence to Operate Red Line Rail
- Authorises Lagos to Operate Red Line on Federal Rail Corridor
- Opeifa noted that the Red Line began commercial passenger operations on October 15, 2024
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has officially granted the Lagos State Government a Permanent Operating Licence, authorising the operation of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line on the shared federal rail corridor.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the licence was presented on Tuesday in Lagos by the Managing Director of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, who described the development as a major milestone in Nigeria’s railway sector and a significant step towards opening rail operations to multiple operators.
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According to Opeifa, the approval marks a transition from the era when the NRC was the country’s sole rail operator to a more inclusive and regulated system that encourages partnerships in railway development.
He recalled that in April 2012, former President Goodluck Jonathan approved the transfer of two federal rail tracks to the Lagos State Government to facilitate the development of the Red Line, a project he described as one of Nigeria’s most transformative urban rail initiatives.
Opeifa noted that the Red Line began commercial passenger operations on October 15, 2024, following its inauguration by President Bola Tinubu, initially operating morning and evening peak-hour services.
He added that the collaboration between the NRC and the Lagos State Government extended beyond track access to include the training and capacity building of personnel responsible for operating the rail line.
According to him, the permanent licence followed the successful implementation of a temporary operating permit issued under the Track Sharing Agreement more than a year ago and was approved after the completion of operational assessments.
The licence, presented through the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), formally authorises the agency to operate services on the shared corridor in line with the Track Sharing Agreement while also enabling the Lagos State Government to manage other rail systems in accordance with international standards.
Opeifa commended the Lagos State Government for its sustained investment in rail infrastructure and rolling stock, describing the licence as a product of mutual trust and a shared commitment to improving urban transportation.
He stressed that continued investment in rail infrastructure is critical to providing safe, reliable and environmentally sustainable transport while reducing pressure on Nigeria’s road network.
The NRC boss also encouraged other state governments to invest in rail transportation to complement the Federal Government’s efforts at expanding the national railway system.
According to him, increased rail development would ease traffic congestion, lower logistics costs, improve passenger mobility and stimulate economic growth.
He reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to fostering partnerships that would deliver an integrated, efficient and sustainable railway network across Nigeria.
The Managing Director of LAMATA, Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, received the Permanent Operating Licence on behalf of the Lagos State Government.
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