Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has disclosed that discussions are currently underway to extend the Red Line rail into neighbouring Ogun State as part of efforts to reduce congestion and strengthen regional mobility through an integrated transport system.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor.
According to the statement, the extension plan forms part of Lagos State’s broader transport strategy, which integrates rail, road, and water transport systems to improve commuter movement across the Lagos metropolitan area and adjoining states.
The current Phase 1 of the Red Line operates from Oyingbo to Agbado, while Phase 2—still under construction—is expected to terminate at Marina, where it will link with the Blue Line rail network operated by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority under the Lagos rail system.
Governor Sanwo-Olu explained that the proposed expansion into Ogun State is designed to accommodate the growing number of daily commuters travelling between Lagos and neighbouring communities, particularly within the Lagos–Ogun economic corridor.
He noted that the Red Line was built as a high-capacity rail corridor, with the ability to move significantly more passengers than the Blue Line. While the Blue Line operates four-car trains, the Red Line is designed to run eight-car trains and, at full capacity, could transport up to 500,000 passengers daily between Agbado and Oyingbo.
“The beauty of the Red Line is its capacity. Discussions are ongoing to extend the rail service further into neighbouring Ogun State to accommodate more commuters,” the Governor was quoted as saying.
The Lagos State Government also confirmed that additional rolling stock has been acquired, including 24-car train sets, to further enhance operations along the corridor.
The Red Line rail is one of Lagos’ major infrastructure projects under the state’s long-term mobility plan. The first phase, covering 27 kilometres out of a total 37-kilometre corridor, includes stations at Agbado, Iju, Agege, Ikeja, Oshodi, Mushin, Yaba, and Oyingbo.
Full passenger operations commenced in October 2024 after initial trial runs, following construction that began in 2021. The line operates under a track-sharing arrangement with the Nigerian Railway Corporation along the Lagos–Ibadan corridor.
The expansion plan is part of the broader Lagos Strategic Transport Master Plan, which envisions a six-line rail network designed to transform mobility across the state. The Blue Line and Red Line are currently operational components of this framework.
Future projects under the master plan include the proposed Green Line, which is expected to connect the Lekki Free Zone to Marina via Victoria Island, Lekki, and Ajah. However, construction on the Green Line has yet to begin despite funding provisions in both federal and state budgets.
Officials say the gradual rollout of the rail network reflects a phased approach aimed at easing traffic congestion, improving intercity connectivity, and supporting long-term economic growth across Lagos and its neighbouring regions.
