A 31-km redline passenger rail service from Oyingbo, Lagos State to Agbado in Ogun State is set to start operation in the first quarter of 2023.
Announcing this during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the rail project between Ogun and Lagos States, the Secretary to the Ogun State Government (SSG) Tokunbo Talabi, explained the project is another significant accomplishment engendered by the Lagos and Ogun Joint Commission.
According to him, the development was another success of the synergy between the governors of Lagos and Ogun states in taking advantage of their proximity to better their economies and the lives of citizens.
Talabi noted that significant achievements had been made by the two states through the Lagos/Ogun Joint Commission in the areas of waterways and security, saying,” this is yet another testament of more initiatives to be undertaken by the joint commission”.
The SSG said “the two states have the understanding that what benefits one, benefits the other and what brings convenience to one will mean the same for the other due to their proximity. Integration of the transport system between the two states is highly probable for the benefits of both states”.
While pointing out that the transport system of any nation or state is critical to its civilization, Talabi affirmed that Ogun State is committed to taking advantage of the sector to improve the livelihood of commuters and citizens alike in the two states.
Speaking with newsmen after the signing of the MoU, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederick Oladeinde, explained that the redline rail project is 31km, and the first phase of a 25km stretch from Oyingbo to Agbado is already being constructed and will be completed by the end of 2022, while passenger operations will commence the first quarter of 2023.
Oladeinde added that a train station and depot are being built in Ogun State, noting that the project will create a lot of employment opportunities and huge investment within the corridor for the states.