- Governor Sanwo-Olu sought investors for a transformative purple and green rail line connecting Lagos and Ogun states
- $866.05 million required immediately for survey, design, and civil works, $602.81 million needed in the short-to-medium term
- Sanwo-Olu emphasised the importance of reducing emissions and improving public health through integrated transport systems
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos has said that he is actively pursuing investors for a $1.9 billion purple and green rail line project which will connect Lagos and Ogun states.
The governor disclosed this on Thursday, December 5 while speaking at the Africa Investment Forum (AIF) Market Days in Rabat, Morocco.
Rail line to serve over 300,000 daily
“The purple rail line is a 60 km electrified rail system that will include 16 stations and seamlessly integrate with existing metro and bus services to enhance connectivity.
“It is projected to serve over 300,000 passengers daily, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging a shift from road to rail transportation,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
The governor stated that his administration is eager to progress with the project and is open to being adaptable with investors to ensure its successful delivery.
Sanwo-Olu, further said that $866.05 million is urgently needed, which will cover the costs of survey and design as well as civil works.
He pointed out that the state is working on a transportation master plan that promises to be more efficient, effective, sustainable, and safer.
Stations to feature integrated water, rail, BRT systems
He added that in the short to medium term, the state would require $602.81 million, with $497.7 million needed in the long-term funding plan.
The governor explained that the state's goal is to create integrated transportation systems and mass transit to ease traffic congestion and reduce commuting hours, thereby enhancing the health and well-being of the general public.
He clarified that each corridor incorporates a BRT and waterway transport route, allowing commuters to bypass the main roads, thus easing traffic flow.
“Two of the stations that were built on the same line are also connected with water, rail and BRT altogether,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
The governor reassured the investors that the state is prepared to manage any concerns, ensuring there are no disturbances from displaced communities.
“The government would even pay compensations to displaced persons where necessary, so no additional burden is brought to would-be funders,” he added.
“We don’t want to lock in anything, we know all the various options. We understand how some of these things work.
“We’re willing and ready to make those transactions work. We’ve seen from our experience how to guarantee revenue assurance.
“We have a payment system under the cowry card, which is where we’d block leakages to a large extent and the same contactless card, we can use it on our bus, train and ferry where you’d have it all integrated.
“On a daily basis, they know what the traffic is and what is due to everybody. Whatever, based on the study or the ridership guarantee, we would look at it.”
2025 Budget: Sanwo-Olu presents N3.05trn estimate to Lagos assembly
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, presented the "Budget of Sustainability" to the State Assembly, focusing on infrastructure and economic growth.
The 2025 budget included ₦1.7 trillion for capital expenditure to fund critical infrastructure, with a projected ₦1.97 trillion in IGR.