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Lagos blue line rail project now 90% ready – Sanwo-Olu {Photos}
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu says the Lagos Blue line rail is at 90 percent completion, assuring that the project would be delivered in the first quarter of next year.
The governor gave the assurance on Sunday while addressing newsmen at the Marina Train Station after inspection of works on the Blue Line rail project and stations at the National Theatre Iganmu, Orile, Suru Alaba, Mile 2, and Marina axis of the state.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (second right) and the General Manager, Lagos State Transportation Management Authority (LAMATA), Engr. Abimbola Akinajo (right) during an inspection of the Blue Line Rail on Sunday, 24 April 2022.
He said, “This is the first time I am taking you on the blue line to see where we are. The first phase of the Blue line rail project starts from Mile 2 and terminates at Marina. Marina Station is an elevated station and it stretches out to outer Marina and terminates where the Governor’s residence is. At the end of the station, you could see that the track is broken into two bridges. The backtrack is for parking”.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the National Theatre Train Station during an inspection of the Blue Line Rail on Sunday, 24 April 2022. Behind him from left: Director, Rail Transport, Mr. Olasunkanmi Okusaga, Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Private Partnership (PPP), Mr. Ope George and Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Federic Oladeinde.
“We are happy that the contractors are working seven days a week. The major aspect apart from the Marina Station is a sea crossing from Eko Bridge to join the outer Marina. They would finish it in about three months. And by the time we will be coming back in July, the concrete construction should have been completed”, Governor Sanwo-olu was quoted as saying in a statement by his media aide, Gboyega Akosile.
The governor, who inspected the project alongside some members of his cabinet, officials of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), and contractors handling the project, explained that the blue line rail would run on electric tracks with Electric Motor Vehicle (EMV), warning Lagosians to keep off the train lines and avoid walking on them.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (middle) uses his cowry card for train boarding while the Director, Rail Transport, Mr. Olasunkanmi Okusaga watches during an inspection of the Blue Line Rail on Sunday, 24 April 2022.
He further disclosed that the government will also acquire two sets of four train coaches from China between September and October.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, also assured that there would be adequate security at every train station and platform with the use of CCTV.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu boarding the train while the General Manager, Lagos State Transportation Management Authority (LAMATA), Engr. Abimbola Akinajo (left) watches during an inspection of the Blue Line Rail on Sunday, 24 April 2022.
The governor condemned the level of vandalism along the rail corridors and warned perpetrators to desist from such acts. According to Sanwo-Olu, the government would go after companies that buy vandalised rail tracks, assuring that the culprits will also be traced and prosecuted accordingly.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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