By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has presented a Permanent Operating Licence to the Lagos State Government, formally authorising the operation of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line on the shared federal rail corridor.
Speaking at the licence presentation ceremony in Lagos on Tuesday, the Managing Director of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, described the development as a landmark moment in Nigeria’s railway sector, saying it marked the transition from the corporation’s long-standing position as the country’s sole rail operator to a more inclusive, regulated system that accommodates multiple operators.
The Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation Dr Kayode Opeifa, presenting the Permanent Operating Licence and the Permanent Track Access Licence to the Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, Engr Mrs Abimbola Akinajo, on received it on behalf of the Lagos State Government at the NRC Headquarters, Lagos… on Tuesday.
According to Opeifa, the move aligns with global best practices and does not diminish the corporation’s statutory responsibilities but rather expands opportunities for collaboration in developing modern rail transportation.
He recalled that 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 of the LRMT Red Line, a decision he described as laying the foundation for one of Nigeria’s most transformative urban rail projects.
The NRC boss noted that the Red Line commenced passenger operations on October 15, 2024, following its inauguration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, initially offering morning and evening peak services.
The Managing Director of Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr Kayode Opeifa, (second right), presenting the permanent Operating Licence and the permanent Track Access Licence to the Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, (LAMATA) Engr Mrs Al Abimbola Akinajo, (second left), at the NRC Headquarters, on Tuesday. With them are; the Technical Adviser, Rail Transport, LAMATA, Engr. Olasunkanmi Okusaga, and the NRC Director of Operations, Akin Osinowo.
He explained that beyond granting access to the rail tracks, the partnership between the NRC and the Lagos State Government had also included the training and capacity development of operational personnel for the Red Line, reflecting the strength of institutional collaboration.
Opeifa said the permanent licence followed the successful implementation of a temporary operational licence issued more than a year ago under the Track Sharing Agreement and was granted after the satisfactory completion of operational assessments.
He explained that the licence, presented through the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, formally grants the agency the rights to operate services on the shared corridor in line with the Track Sharing Agreement while also empowering the Lagos State Government to operate other rail systems in accordance with international best practices.
Describing the licence as a product of mutual trust and shared vision, Opeifa commended the Lagos State Government for its continued investment in public transportation, particularly in rail infrastructure and rolling stock, to meet the growing mobility needs of residents.
He stressed that sustained investment in rail infrastructure remains essential to delivering safe, reliable, environmentally sustainable and high-capacity transportation while reducing pressure on the nation’s road network.
The NRC managing director also urged state governments across the federation to invest in rail infrastructure to complement the Federal Government’s efforts at expanding Nigeria’s railway network, noting that wider adoption of rail transport would ease highway congestion, reduce logistics costs, improve passenger mobility and stimulate economic growth.
He reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to building productive partnerships that would deliver an integrated, efficient, safe and sustainable railway system across the country.
Opeifa also commended the assessment officials whose operational evaluations paved the way for the issuance of the permanent licence, praising their professionalism and diligence in ensuring the LRMT Red Line met the required operational standards.
He concluded the ceremony by formally handing over the Permanent Operating Licence to the Lagos State Government, describing the occasion as another milestone in the partnership between both institutions aimed at transforming urban rail transportation in Nigeria.
