The Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, has issued a
permanent operating licence to the Lagos State Government for the operation of
the Lagos Rail Mass Transit, LRMT, Red Line, a move regarded as a major
milestone in Nigeria’s railway sector and a boost for state participation in
rail transportation.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony on Tuesday, the
Managing Director of the NRC, Kayode Opeifa, described the development as a
significant departure from the corporation’s 128-year monopoly over railway
operations in the country.
According to him, although the NRC would continue to perform
its statutory responsibilities, the corporation was aligning with global best
practices by opening the sector to multiple operators within a regulated rail
system.
Opeifa explained that the permanent licence was presented to
the Lagos State Government through the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport
Authority, LAMATA, after the successful implementation of a temporary operating
licence earlier granted under a Track Sharing Agreement.
He said the approval officially authorises LAMATA to operate
services along the shared rail corridor in line with the agreement, while also
empowering the Lagos State Government to manage additional rail systems in
accordance with international standards.
The NRC boss recalled that former President Goodluck
Jonathan approved the transfer of two federal rail tracks to the Lagos State
Government in April 2012 to support the development of the Red Line rail
project.
He added that passenger operations on the rail line
commenced on October 15, 2024, following its inauguration by President Bola
Tinubu, noting that the NRC also contributed through the training and capacity
building of operational personnel.
Opeifa praised the Lagos State Government for its continued
investment in rail infrastructure and rolling stock, describing the Red Line as
one of the most impactful urban rail initiatives in Nigeria.
According to him, the project reflects the political will,
financial commitment and long-term planning required to develop modern railway
infrastructure in the country.
He also encouraged other state governments to invest in rail
transport infrastructure as a way of complementing the Federal Government’s
efforts to expand the national railway network.
The NRC managing director stated that increased rail
investment would help reduce pressure on highways, lower transportation and
logistics costs, improve passenger mobility, stimulate commercial activities
and drive economic growth.
Opeifa reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to
partnerships aimed at building an integrated, efficient, safe and sustainable
railway system nationwide.
He also commended assessment officials whose evaluations and
operational reviews facilitated the approval of the permanent operating licence
before formally presenting the document to the Lagos State Government.
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