President Tinubu Inaugurates 37KM Lagos Red Line Rail Project

President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the 37-kilometer-long first phase of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line project, which is expected to reduce the traveling time in the state.

The first phase inauguration was done on Thursday alongside the signing ceremony of the second phase between the Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) Abimbola Akinajo and the Chairman of CCECC Nigeria Limited Jason Zhang.

Tinubu, who is all set to leave for an official state visit to Qatar, marked the inaugural train ride from the Ikeja station to the Agege station. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat accompanied the president during the event.

Some state governors, members of the Federal and State Executive Councils, members of the Federal and State Legislative Assemblies, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Cui Jianchun, and a bunch of journalists were also present during the inauguration.

"It is my singular pleasure to inaugurate the first phase of the LRMT Red Line to the glory of God Almighty and for the benefit of the people," Tinubu said, as per the State House official statement.

The president shared how honored he feels as a "Lagosian and the first to be President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria," adding that he won't let his people down and promised to "arrive at the destination with joy, happiness, and prosperity; God willing."

He previously served as Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007. He took over the office as the president of Nigeria last year on May 29.

"I am very happy indeed that today is a day to remember in Nigeria's infrastructural history, particularly Lagos, the center of excellence. Today is evidence that it is good to dream, and it is a serious validation of democracy as a form of government of the people, by the people, and for the people," he said.

He added, "When you put people at the center of your vision and planning, you will realize the value of democracy."

Tinubu went on to recall being elected as a governor of the Lagos state 25 years ago.

"From the very beginning, my team and I toiled day and night with a very bare cupboard and amidst pervasive deficiency to implement a developmental vision that would transform Lagos into an economic powerhouse. Today, we are realizing that dream," he said.

Tinubu noted that it is not a crime to dream and dream big, urging everyone to stay focused and make development a central focus. He also commended the LAMATA, an urban transport agency established by Tinubu over 20 years ago, for its performance and completing the rail line.