The Minister of Transport, Sa’id Alkali, has urged other states to emulate Lagos, saying the success of its Red Line Rail project exemplified collaboration between the federal and state governments.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Alkali said collaborative efforts between the federal and state governments enhanced the well-being of the nation and its economy.
At the official commissioning of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Red Line on Thursday by President Bola Tinubu, the minister also pledged the support of the ministry to the Lagos State government.
He added that the ministry would work together with some state governors to achieve railway connection to enable choice of transportation for passengers, urging the governors to emulate Lagos.
The minister said, “I assure you that the Federal Ministry of Transportation is committed to providing support and expertise to consolidate this laudable achievement.
“Today’s inauguration is a singular promise in achieving this milestone in our administration. This will lead to high connectivity, improve livelihood, boost trade and improve visibility.
“The Federal Ministry of Transportation will support the realisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President,” he said.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun, commended Nigeria for giving them the opportunity to complete the Blue Line project.
Jianchun said, “Mr President, today in China we celebrate an auspicious day which is a symbol of good things, and this shows that the commencement of the Red Line project today will be more successful.
“I also congratulate Mr President for making the 20-year project completed and we also want to use this opportunity to improve more on infrastructure and technology.
“There is a need to improve more on security which will improve the country’s economic Gross Domestic Product generation.”
The Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said the commissioning of the project would not have been possible without President Tinubu’s vision during his tenure as governor of Lagos with the establishment of the Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transport Authority.
NAN reports that the Red Line project is a 37km rail route from Agbado to Marina with stations at Agbado, Iju, Agege, Ikeja, Oshodi, Mushing, Yaba, Oyingbo, Iddo, Ebute Ero and Marina.
