The Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, announced on Thursday that the Red Line Rail will soon undergo a two-month test run. This disclosure was made during a press conference held at the Alausa Secretariat in Ikeja, where he reaffirmed the government’s dedication to improving the lives of the state’s residents.
Since President Bola Tinubu’s inauguration on February 29, residents have eagerly anticipated the commencement of commercial operations on the Red Line. Once operational, the Red Line is expected to transport approximately 500,000 passengers daily initially.
The 37-kilometer rail line integrates key bus terminals at Oyingbo, Yaba, Oshodi, Ikeja, and Iju and extends to Agbado in Ogun State. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed Lagos State’s aim to unlock over N4 trillion annually in lost work hours due to traffic congestion, revolutionizing commuter experiences while addressing challenges such as traffic congestion and road safety.
Regarding the progress of the Red Line rail project, Omotosho stated that the Sanwo-Olu administration would provide further details on its development projects during its annual ministerial briefings commencing on April 23.
He remarked, “With various ongoing projects across the state, it is evident that Mr. Governor has consistently delivered on his commitment to the socio-economic development of residents. In the health sector, the construction of the Pediatric Hospital at Adeniji Adele has been rapid, and the Badagry General Hospital is gradually taking shape.”
In addition to the Red Line Rail test run, Omotosho announced the upcoming annual ministerial briefings from April 23 to May 28. During these briefings, all ministries will give an account of their stewardship over the past year since the commencement of the administration’s second term in office.
Responding to inquiries about proposed interventions for teachers and healthcare workers unable to work remotely, the commissioner assured them that adequate compensation had been provided. He affirmed, “Yes, they are compensated; we understand the unique nature of their job, and no one is excluded from Governor Sanwo-Olu’s welfare program.”
The government had previously allowed workers to work from home on certain days to alleviate financial burdens amid rising living costs. However, this arrangement only extended to certain workers, such as teachers, who were required to be physically present in school every working day.
