By Demi Adeniyi
Lagos transport system has received a boost from the African Development Bank (AfDB) with a promise to work with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) to develop another rail line.
The bank is also interested in partnering with LAMATA to expand the capacity of the existing rail system.
AfDB Vice President, Private Sector Infrastructure and Industrialisation, Mr. Solomon Quaynor, gave the assurance while on a visit to LAMATA in the company of Mr. Mayowa Ayodele, Non-Sovereign Operations and Private Sector Equity Specialist, ahead of a visit of the technical team to assess the Purple line.
The Purple Line is a 60-kilometre railroad the Redemption Camp in Ogun State, traversing Berger, Agege and Alimoso and terminate at Volkswagen to join the Blue Line.
The visit follows a recent pitch for investment on 60-kilometre Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Purple Line at the African Development Bank forum in Morocco, where the Lagos delegation was led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The visit is to further discuss collaboration on the project and other lines outlined in the Lagos Strategic Transport Masterplan (STMP).
The delegation toured the LRMT Blue Line and expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Blue Line rail system.
The AfDB team was warmly received by Engr. Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, Managing Director of LAMATA; Engr. Olasunkanmi Okusaga, Director of Rail Transport; Kemi Williams, Consultant Policy and Programme; and Kolawole Ojelabi, Head of Corporate Communication.
This visit signifies a significant step forward in securing funding and expertise for the ambitious rail projects envisioned for Lagos, to further enhance the city’s transportation infrastructure and improve the quality of life for its residents.