Lagos Rail Services to Triple as LAMATA Targets 24 Daily Trips

Lagos Rail Services to Triple as LAMATA Targets 24 Daily Trips
NRC Grants Lagos Permanent Rail Licence
Lagos to Optimise Rail Infrastructure, Improve Commuter Services

The Lagos State Government will increase daily train services on its rail network from 9 to 24 trips beginning September 1, 2026, following the signing of a permanent operating and track access agreement with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the agreement, signed between the NRC and the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), is aimed at optimising existing rail infrastructure, expanding access to affordable transportation and improving commuter mobility within Lagos and neighbouring Ogun State.

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LAMATA Managing Director, Abimbola Akinajo, said the additional services would be supported by 3 new trainsets procured with Federal Government support. Each trainset consists of 8 coaches with the capacity to transport about 2,000 passengers per trip.

She explained that although the planned increase would more than double the current operations, it still falls short of meeting the transportation demands of Lagos’ growing population.

Akinajo said the permanent operating and track access licences were granted after years of collaboration, negotiations, safety assessments, staff training and regulatory compliance with the NRC.

Speaking at the ceremony, NRC Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, described the agreement as part of the corporation’s strategy to maximise Nigeria’s railway assets through partnerships with state governments.

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He said the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge railway, which operates a double-track system, remains one of the country’s most valuable but underutilised rail assets.

According to Opeifa, the partnership will provide millions of commuters in Lagos and Ogun states with a more integrated, efficient and affordable rail transport system while reducing traffic congestion along major roads, including the Agege Motor Road and Ikorodu Road corridors.

He added that the arrangement would allow the NRC to focus on intercity and interstate rail services while state governments take responsibility for urban commuter rail operations.

Opeifa disclosed that the corporation has entered into similar partnerships with the Plateau State Government and is concluding discussions with the Zamfara State Government as part of efforts to improve rail connectivity nationwide.

Both agencies said the collaboration aligns with the Federal Government’s objective of maximising investments in railway infrastructure through the efficient use of existing rail assets.