Lagos Unveils Unique Achievement: Blue Rail Line Emerges as Africa’s Sole Rail Crossing Over Water

The Lagos State Government has proudly announced a significant engineering feat with the completion of the Lagos Blue Rail Line, highlighting it as the sole rail project in Africa that spans a water body. This revelation comes as a response to misguided comparisons made by some individuals who sought to draw parallels between the cost of the Blue Rail Line and that of the Djibouti-Ethiopia Rail Line, accompanied by allegations of corruption.

Gbenga Omotosho, the Commissioner of Information and Strategy for Lagos State, addressed these concerns during a recent interview on the Morning Delight program on Lagos Television. He shed light on the intricacies involved in the construction of the Blue Rail Line, emphasizing that the project required extensive piling due to its unique location, a factor absent in the Djibouti Rail Line, which does not rest on an elevated platform like the Blue Rail.

Omotosho pointed out, “So, the cost, the equipment and expertise deployed must be different.” He deemed it preposterous for individuals to hastily make such comparisons and level accusations of corruption against the development of the rail line. He urged public commentators to seek knowledge and conduct thorough research on matters of interest before disseminating information in the public domain, emphasizing the importance of avoiding false statements about issues they may have little or no knowledge about.

Providing further insights, Omotosho revealed that the Red Rail Line, following the commissioning of the Yaba and Oyingbo overpasses by the Governor, is set to undergo a test run in December 2023. The Red Line, surpassing the Blue Line in scale, is anticipated to have the capacity to transport over one million people daily. The reduction in travel time from Oyingbo to Alagbado, which currently takes an average of three to four hours, is expected to be minimized to a maximum of 35 minutes.

In addition to the advancements in the rail sector, the Commissioner disclosed details about the Fourth Mainland Bridge project. A contractor has been selected for the construction of this vital infrastructure, poised to alleviate traffic congestion on the first, second, and third mainland bridges. Beyond its impact on travel time for motorists, the project is anticipated to generate approximately 5,000 jobs for young engineers. The initiative aims not only to bolster the engineering workforce but also to provide training opportunities for students, fostering a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in constructing such crucial infrastructure. Furthermore, properties along the project corridor are expected to experience a significant appreciation in value.

Omotosho reiterated the people-focused nature of the administration’s programs under Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The THEMES Plus agenda is designed to create tangible impacts that citizens can feel, fostering a sense of connection and belonging. The Commissioner highlighted the administration’s commitment to the success of its programs, emphasizing the inclusiveness of youth in the executive council of Lagos State. With 60 percent of the population comprising youths, the government’s initiatives are tailored to address the needs and aspirations of this demographic.

The Commissioner shared notable investments made by the state, including the simultaneous construction of eight stadia and the establishment of a science and technology hub, propelling Lagos to the forefront of the tech hub scene in Africa. Over 6,000 youths have been trained in acting, scriptwriting, and film editing, aligning with the goal of tapping into the vast and expanding global entertainment industry. The construction of the Film City in Epe further underscores the commitment to developing the potentials of the youth population.

In essence, the Lagos State Government, through these transformative infrastructure projects and youth-centric initiatives, is not only reshaping the urban landscape but also fostering an environment that nurtures the growth and development of its citizens, particularly the vibrant youth population.