• Lagos State introduced a new 24-car train set to strengthen capacity on the Red Line.

• Authorities allocated 102.3 billion naira ($76.2 million) in the 2026 budget for a third rail line.

• The Lagos Rail Mass Transit network aims to expand to seven lines but still lags demand in a city of over 20 million people.

Lagos State is continuing to modernize urban transport through new investments in rail infrastructure. At the same time, the Nigerian megacity is seeking to structure a mobility system still dominated by informal operators amid strong demographic pressure.

Authorities recently presented a new 24-car train set, which they received from China, to strengthen the fleet of the Red Line, the second line of the urban rail network. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the new cars will increase transport capacity and reduce waiting times, thereby improving daily mobility for users.

This acquisition forms part of the broader development of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit system, which has become a central pillar of urban mobility since its launch in 2023. In January, authorities announced the allocation of about 102.3 billion naira ($76.2 million) in the 2026 budget to support the construction of a third line.

The rail network is designed to absorb part of the city’s road traffic. Authorities plan to expand the system to seven lines. In addition to the first three lines, the network will include the Yellow, Purple, Orange, and Brown lines.

The Red Line, which became operational in 2024, has an estimated capacity of 500,000 passengers per day. The Blue Line, which launched in September 2023, can carry up to 250,000 passengers daily.

However, these capacities remain limited compared with demand, which private operators still largely handle. This imbalance highlights the urgency for authorities to expand public transport supply.

Authorities are also developing water transport services as part of a broader strategy to diversify mobility options. However, public transport supply remains insufficient in a metropolitan area with more than 20 million residents.

Minibuses and tricycles still dominate the urban transport market. These modes often operate under poor comfort conditions and present elevated safety risks.

This article was initially published in French by Henoc Dossa

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum