Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu today unveiled new trains for the Blue Line rail system operated by LAMATA, lauding President Bola Tinubu’s pivotal role in the conceptualisation and delivery of Lagos’s urban rail infrastructure. The event marks another milestone in the city’s quest for efficient, modern mass transit.
Speaking at the Marina station during the inauguration, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed deep gratitude to President Tinubu, who originally introduced the Lagos Urban Mass Transportation System and established LAMATA during his tenure as governor. He emphasized that Tinubu’s masterplan laid the foundation for integrating rail, road, and waterways transport in Lagos .
“When we talk about modern Lagos and our transport vision, we must begin with our President, whose foresight in establishing LAMATA set us on this path,” Sanwo-Olu stated. He highlighted that initial commercial Blue Line operations launched on September 4, 2023, and since then the system has commenced new train sets to improve service frequency and commuter experience .
The governor noted that the trains, manufactured by CRRC Dalian, run at speeds of up to 80 km/h, completing the Marina–Mile 2 route in under 20 minutes with brief station stops. He also highlighted the ongoing rollout of Cowry Card integrated payments across rail, bus, and waterways to ease commuter transitions .
Sanwo-Olu confirmed that additional rolling stock has been procured to enhance both the Blue and Red lines, with deliveries expected before year end. “These additions will improve capacity and reduce waiting times for Lagosians,” he said .
Officials also reported strong ridership growth: the Blue Line has transported tens of thousands weekly, carrying over 75,000 passengers in just 350 trips during its first month of operation . While demand is still growing, the new trains aim to meet commuter needs and support Lagos’s vision of a smart, multimodal transport hub.
Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his commitment to completing the Blue Line’s second phase to Okokomaiko and fast-tracking the Red Line expansion. He urged Lagosians to embrace the rail system and safeguard the new infrastructure.
As the city continues to reinvent its public transport ecosystem, the unveiling of the new Blue Line trains reinforces the administration’s united push, led by Sanwo-Olu and anchored by Tinubu’s long-term vision, to reshape mobility for millions in Africa’s fastest-growing metropolis.
