By ebosele@hotmail.com –
A delegation from the Secretariat of the National Economic Council (NEC), led by the Ondo State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Hon. Laolu Akindolire, has inspected the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line as part of efforts to monitor the implementation of national development initiatives across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The visit was aimed at assessing the implementation of NEC resolutions and evaluating the progress of development projects with significant impact on the socio-economic wellbeing of citizens.
The NEC is a constitutional body established under Section 153(1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. It is chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima and advises the President on economic affairs while coordinating economic planning between the Federal Government and the states.
Briefing the delegation, the Technical Adviser, Planning, at the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Engr. Osa Konyeha, who represented the Managing Director, Engr. Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, said Lagos State’s transportation development was being guided by the Lagos State Strategic Transport Master Plan.
Konyeha said the master plan provides for the development of six rail lines, one monorail, 14 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors, more than 20 water transportation routes and complementary road infrastructure.
He explained that the projects were designed to create an efficient, integrated and competitive multimodal transport system across Lagos.
According to him, the state government is working to connect the Red Line with the Blue Line at the National Theatre Station, a development expected to improve connectivity and facilitate seamless movement across the rail network.
He also disclosed that construction works on the Green Line would commence soon, while plans were underway for the development of the Purple Line.
He said the projects formed part of Lagos State’s long-term strategy to expand public transportation infrastructure and provide residents with greater mobility options.
Konyeha further explained that the various transport projects were being implemented as an integrated system to ensure effective connectivity among rail, road and water transportation, thereby providing commuters with convenient modal choices.
On water transportation, he said the state government was expanding the sector through the Omi Eko initiative, which includes opening additional waterways and deploying energy-efficient electric ferries to promote sustainable mobility.
Responding, Akindolire commended the Lagos State Government for its investments in transportation infrastructure and its commitment to projects capable of directly improving the quality of life of residents.
He urged other states to emulate Lagos by developing and implementing projects that deliver tangible and positive impacts on their citizens.
The inspection provided the NEC delegation with an opportunity to assess the progress of the Red Line, one of Lagos State’s flagship transport projects, and its contribution to the broader objectives of integrated and sustainable national development.
