Tinubu inaugurates Lagos Red Rail Line, says Nigerians deserve access to multiple transport modes

Tinubu inaugurates Lagos Red Rail Line, says Nigerians deserve access to multiple transport modes

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday inaugurated the Red Rail Line in Lagos with a declaration that Nigerians deserve access to efficient multiple modes of transportation.

The 37km intra-state rail line is the second rail projects to be inaugurated by the Lagos State Government in less than one year. The first, Lagos Blue Rail Line, was commissioned by former President Muhammadu Buhari in the twilight of his administration last year.

Tinubu, speaking at the inauguration on Thursday, said, “Nigerians must be able to enjoy access to multiple alternative modes of transportation all of which are safe, efficient and affordable.

“The nation’s transportation minister is here. It is very critical for your ministry to collaborate further with subnational government, to help build a Nigeria for the greatest number of people.”

How it started

He recalled how the railway project started while he was Lagos State governor.

He said, “Twenty-five years ago, I was elected to lead Nigeria’s most populous state, the smallest in land mass, when all that existed here was suppressed and aborted potential and when the dream began, my team and I toiled day and night to craft and implement a developmental vision that would transform Lagos into the economic power house of Africa and a respected mega city on a global state. We are releasing that dream.

“I’m pleased to declare to you that the moment of greatness we kick-started a quarter of century ago has since become unstoppable.”

The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the nation’s infrastructural development.

No going back on reforms

He also said there was no going back on the reforms embarked upon by his government.

“This reform that is ongoing, we are not looking back; the engineering, the construction, the affirmation of our pledge to be loyal to our country. One thing I know is that there is a very bright light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

Battle with corruption

President Tinubu also spoke on his government’s battle with corruption, admitting that while the administration was making efforts to fight corruption, the scourge would fight back.

He said, “We said we can do it, you believed in us. We said the people’s lives will end up being better, you believed in us. I could hear a lot of voices right now, I asked for this job, I cannot complain, it’s all about democracy.

“I agree smugglers will fight back, corruption will fight back. We will fight them to ruin. Corruption will go away, save the money for you to educate our children, to pay for the healthcare system of our people, to pay for the modern transportation system that works for highest number of people, not those few smugglers.”

He commended Governor of Lagos State Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the giant strides.

“As we inaugurate the first phase of the Red Line, we cannot afford to rest on our oars. Work still needs to be done at national and subnational level. No room for complacency. I look forward to the completion of the other phases.

“I perceive massive economic opportunities coming out of this.

“I am assuring that Nigeria will be out of economic problems, we just need to persevere, work hard,” the President said.

Sanwo-Olu: A new developmental pace

Governor Sanwo-Olu in his speech said the Lagos Red Line was not just about improving the city’s mobility, but reshaping the urban landscape and setting a new pace for development.

“We’re opening doors to opportunities, growth, and a sustainable future,” said the governor.