Lagos State has taken a bold step forward in transforming urban transportation with the arrival of three brand-new train sets, totaling 12 coaches, for the Lagos Blue Line Rail project. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced the acquisition with enthusiasm, promising shorter wait times, enhanced comfort, and a more efficient commute for millions of Lagosians.
In a statement shared on Thursday, June 5, 2025, Governor Sanwo-Olu celebrated the delivery of the electric train sets, which were recently offloaded at the port and moved to the National Theatre station for integration into the Blue Line system. “This means shorter wait times and more comfortable trips for everyone using the Blue Line. It’s a step forward in our efforts to make the daily commute in Lagos less stressful and more reliable,” the governor declared, as reported by multiple outlets, including The Guardian.
The Blue Line, a 13-kilometer rail route from Marina to Mile 2, launched commercial operations on September 4, 2023, under Sanwo-Olu’s administration, marking a historic milestone in Lagos’ journey toward a modern, integrated transport network. Initially equipped to handle 72 daily trips, the addition of these new coaches is set to boost capacity and efficiency, addressing the growing demand from commuters in Nigeria’s bustling commercial capital.
Sanwo-Olu’s vision aligns with the state’s Strategic Transport Master Plan, which includes six rail lines and a monorail to tackle the city’s notorious traffic congestion. The governor’s commitment to multimodal transport—integrating road, rail, and water—has been a cornerstone of his administration’s THEMES+ Agenda, emphasizing transportation and traffic management as key pillars for sustainable development.
The newly acquired train sets, spotted being offloaded in recent images shared on X, are expected to enhance the Blue Line’s service, which currently ferries thousands of passengers daily. This move builds on earlier deliveries, such as the two train sets received in January 2023, and underscores Sanwo-Olu’s pledge to complete and expand the rail infrastructure. The governor also hinted at future plans, noting on June 5, 2025, that the state aims to extend the Blue Line to the Okokomaiko area, further easing travel across the Lagos-Badagry corridor.
Lagosians have greeted the news with optimism, with many taking to X to praise Sanwo-Olu’s efforts. “Sanwo-Olu is working,” one user posted, echoing the sentiment of residents eager for a less stressful commute in a city long plagued by gridlock. The governor’s transportation initiatives, including a N14.9 billion subsidy for bus fares since 2019, demonstrate a broader commitment to affordable and reliable mobility for millions.
As the Blue Line continues to grow, Sanwo-Olu’s administration is also advancing other rail projects. The Red Line, a 37-kilometer route from Ebute Metta to Agbado, is 95% complete and slated for commissioning by year-end, while the Green Line, stretching from Victoria Island to Ibeju Lekki, is set to begin construction in 2025. These developments promise to reshape Lagos, making it a pacesetter for urban transport in sub-Saharan Africa.
With the new train sets now in place, Lagos moves closer to realizing the metro vision first conceived in 1983 by Lateef Jakande and revitalized by successive leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose transportation master plan laid the groundwork. Governor Sanwo-Olu’s latest achievement has sparked hope, with commuters eagerly awaiting smoother, faster, and more comfortable journeys across the Centre of Excellence.
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