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NRC presents permanent operation licence to Lagos state for Redline train services.

By Afolabi Oyekunle.






The Nigeria Railway Corporation has  presented a Permanent Operating Licence to the Lagos State Government through the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) for the operation of the Redline.

The LRMT Red Line commenced passenger operations on 15 October 2024 with morning and evening peak services, following its inauguration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.


Presenting the document to the LAMATA DG, Engineer Mrs Abimbola Akinojo  the Managing Director of Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr.Kayode Opeifa said the  licence formally grants LAMATA access to operate services on the shared corridor in accordance with the Track Sharing Agreement, while conferring the rights and obligations contained therein.

LAMATA DG: Engineer Abimbola Akinojo receiving the licence from NRC MD. Dr. Kayode Opeifa


He said it also confers on the Lagos State Government the power to operate other rail systems in accordance with international best practices.

"This achievement is a testament to the mutual trust, cooperation, and shared vision that have continued to define our partnership.

I sincerely appreciate the Lagos State Government for its confidence in the Nigerian Railway Corporation and for its unwavering commitment to this collaboration".


Dr. Opeifa also commend the Làgos State Government for its remarkable investment in public transportation, particularly in the rail subsector, including the acquisition of adequate rolling stock to meet the growing mobility needs of Lagosians.

The development of modern rail infrastructure requires foresight, substantial capital investment, and sustained political will—all of which Lagos State has consistently demonstrated.

According to Dr. Opeifa rail transportation remains the backbone of efficient mass transit in major cities across the world. 

"Continued investment in rail infrastructure is essential to providing safe, reliable, environmentally sustainable, and high-capacity mobility for our growing population, while significantly reducing pressure on our road network.

I have consistently advocated that states across the Federation should invest in rail infrastructure and services to complement the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s railway network. Expanding rail transportation nationwide will ease congestion on our highways, reduce logistics costs, improve passenger mobility, stimulate industrial and commercial activities, and ultimately accelerate national economic growth."

As we celebrate this milestone, I reaffirm the Nigerian Railway Corporation’s commitment to fostering productive partnerships that will transform Nigeria’s transport landscape. Together, we will continue to build an integrated, efficient, safe, and sustainable railway system that serves the aspirations of all Nigerians.

I wish to appreciate all the assessment officials whose professionalism, diligence, and rigorous operational evaluations made today’s issuance of this Permanent Operating Licence possible. Your efforts and commitment to ensuring that the LRMT Red Line, with which the NRC co-share tracks, meets the required operational standards, are deeply appreciated and duly acknowledged.

Dr Opeifa recalled that a little over a year ago, the NRC granted the Lagos State Government a temporary operational licence to facilitate the implementation of the Track Sharing Agreement, pending the issuance of a permanent operating licence following satisfactory operational assessment.

Recalling the history as pertain to railway sector, Dr. Opeifa said for 128 years, since 1898, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has remained the sole developer and operator of railway services across Nigeria and, until recently, beyond our borders through rail connections with neighbouring countries.

Today, we formally change that narrative—not by abdicating our statutory roles and responsibilities, but by expanding our horizons and embracing the global best practice of encouraging multiple operators within a regulated rail system.

Today, we celebrate another significant milestone in the enduring partnership between the NRC and the Lagos State Government, reflecting our shared commitment to modernising rail transportation and improving urban mobility.

In April 2012, former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan approved the transfer of two federal rail tracks to the Lagos State Government to facilitate the development and operation of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line. That visionary decision laid the foundation for one of Nigeria’s most transformative urban rail projects.


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