LASG Moves to End Years of Flooding in Ebute-Meta Railway Corridor

The Lagos State Government has taken steps to address persistent flooding within the Ebute-Meta railway corridor and adjoining communities with the construction of a major stormwater drainage channel in collaboration with the Nigerian Railway Corporation.

The NRC said the state government had awarded a contract for the construction of the Carter-Railway Channel, also known as System 4, aimed at deflooding the railway compound as well as parts of Olaleye and neighbouring areas within Lagos Mainland Local Government Area.

The reinforced concrete drainage channel will run from Murtala Muhammed Way in Ebute-Meta through the railway corridor to a discharge point at Iponri on Western Avenue.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the railway premises, the Director of Drainage Services at the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Engr.

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Adedapo Ajadi, said the project would permanently address the perennial flooding that has affected residents, institutions and businesses in the area for years. He added that construction work is expected to last about 18 months and urged stakeholders to cooperate with contractors to ensure smooth execution.

Stakeholders at the meeting included representatives of St Saviour’s School, NTA Channel 10, the Railway Museum, Federal Medical Centre Ebute-Meta, CCECC quarters, churches, mosques, as well as industrial and small business operators within the railway corridor.

Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr Kayode Opeifa, described the intervention as timely, assuring that the corporation would give full support to the multi-billion-naira project.

He noted that the infrastructure, when completed, would significantly reduce flooding and improve safety within the railway environment and neighbouring communities.

Some stakeholders welcomed the development, saying annual flooding had disrupted academic, medical and commercial activities in the area and posed risks to lives and property.

Officials of the Lagos State Government and the NRC later carried out a joint inspection of the proposed corridor to assess the alignment and identify areas that may be affected before construction begins.

LASG Moves to End Years of Flooding in Ebute-Meta Railway Corridor

Excited passengers hail FG as 50% yuletide train fare cut sparks nationwide rush

Excitement swept through major railway stations across the country on Tuesday and Wednesday as thousands of passengers turned out to enjoy the Federal Government’s 50 percent yuletide train fare reduction, with many openly praising the initiative as a major relief amid rising transport costs.

From the Lagos–Ibadan and Abuja–Kaduna standard gauge corridors to key narrow gauge routes, passengers arrived early, smiling, cheering and expressing gratitude to the government for what they described as a “timely Christmas gift.”

Several train services departed with near-full capacity as Nigerians seized the opportunity to travel cheaply to reunite with family and loved ones for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The discounted festive rail service, approved by the Federal Government and implemented by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), runs from Tuesday, December 23, 2025, to Sunday, January 4, 2026, offering passengers a 50 percent reduction on fares nationwide.

Speaking at various stations, passengers said the fare cut had significantly eased the financial burden of holiday travel, especially for families and group travellers.

Many described the initiative as people-centred and compassionate, noting that it allowed them to travel safely and comfortably at a time when road transport costs have surged.
“I never imagined I would travel this cheap during Christmas,” a passenger at the Lagos terminus said. “This is a big relief. The government has really tried, and we are grateful.”

Confirming the successful commencement of the programme, the NRC Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, said the turnout across major routes showed strong public acceptance of the initiative, adding that early bookings reflected overwhelming passenger interest.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NRC, Dr Kayode Opeifa, assured passengers that the corporation was fully prepared to sustain safe, efficient and customer-friendly services throughout the festive period.

He said enhanced security, safety and customer service measures had been put in place across stations and onboard trains to manage the increased traffic resulting from the fare reduction.

The NRC noted that both standard gauge and narrow gauge services are fully operational, advising passengers on standard gauge routes to continue using NRC-approved online booking platforms, while narrow gauge passengers can purchase tickets directly at designated railway stations.

The 50 percent yuletide train fare cut is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at reducing transportation costs, promoting inclusive mobility and encouraging rail transport as a safer and more reliable option during peak travel seasons.

As the festive rush continues, the NRC urged passengers to cooperate with railway officials and comply with travel guidelines to ensure smooth and hitch-free journeys throughout the discount period.
If you want, I can make it more emotional, more political, or more populist depending on the platform (Vanguard, Punch-style, or government-leaning tone).

Train Collides With Toyota Hiace Bus in Oshodi, No Casualties Recorded — LASEMA

A moment of panic unfolded on Tuesday night after a train collision involving a Toyota Hiace bus occurred at the Arena area of Oshodi, Lagos State.

Following distress alerts received at about 7:53 p.m., the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) immediately activated the state’s emergency response plan from its Cappa Base in Oshodi and deployed its response team to the scene.

According to LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the agency’s Lagos Response Team (LRT) arrived at the incident location around 8:11 p.m., where it was discovered that a train and a white Toyota Hiace bus with registration number AGL-671-XR were involved in the crash.

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Preliminary investigations by the emergency responders revealed that the accident was caused by reckless driving on the part of the Toyota Hiace bus driver, who reportedly drove outside the Arena Shopping Complex, Oshodi, before being struck by an oncoming train, leaving the bus trapped on the railway tracks.

“Fortunately, no casualties or loss of life were recorded as a result of the incident,” LASEMA confirmed. However, the collision caused significant damage to the bus due to the impact of the crash.

LASEMA further disclosed that its team conducted a risk assessment at the scene and implemented safety measures to prevent secondary incidents. As part of the operation, train services were temporarily suspended to allow for the safe evacuation of the vehicle.

“The Toyota Hiace bus has been successfully extracted from the rail tracks and towed to the LASTMA yard in Oshodi. The railway line has been cleared, and normal train operations have been fully restored,” the agency stated.

Train Collides With Toyota Hiace Bus in Oshodi, No Casualties Recorded — LASEMA