He disclosed that there were ongoing conversations to extend the Red Line further into Ogun State, noting that the rail expansion by his administration is tied to Lagos’ broader multimodal transport master plan, including road and waterways.

Speaking during an interview with State House correspondents at the Lagos House, Marina, on Wednesday, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the new trains on the Red Line will have eight cars as against the four cars currently being used on blue line.

Governor Sanwo-olu noted that the addition was designed to support the 27-kilometre Red Line from Oyingbo to Agbado, targeting up to 37 daily trips and over 500,000 daily passengers when fully operational.

He also said that the Omi-Eko water transport project is ongoing, with high-capacity electric boats expected by 2027 to boost ferry services as part of the state’s multimodal plan.

The Governor noted that the integration of rail, road and water transport is designed to ensure efficient movement of people across the state while supporting economic growth.

He said the improved transportation infrastructure would ultimately enhance productivity and boost revenue generation for Lagos State.

He said: “The beauty of the Red Line is that it is twice as large as the Blue Line. While the Blue Line operates four-car trains, the Red Line will run eight-car trains. At full capacity, it will be able to move up to 500,000 passengers daily along the corridor from Agbado to Oyingbo.

“Discussions are ongoing to extend the rail service further into neighbouring Ogun State to accommodate more commuters.

“By this time next year, residents will begin to see increased activity on our waterways with the deployment of electric boats to complement existing transport systems.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu recalled that additional rolling stock had earlier been procured for the Blue Line, noting that similar investments were being replicated on the Red Line to strengthen the state’s rail infrastructure.

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The union’s General Secretary, Mr Kayode Agbeyangi, made the statement while addressing newsmen on Tuesday, stressing that the alleged takeover violated due legal process.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on Monday, Mr Tajudeen Baruwa reportedly led his supporters to take control of the NURTW national secretariat in Abuja, asserting his claim to the union’s presidency based on court rulings.

Agbeyangi noted that the alleged invasion was carried out without notice or legal backing.

“The individuals involved came without notice or legal authority and forcefully gained access to the secretariat.

“It is unfortunate that such actions were taken despite ongoing legal processes and pending cases before competent courts.

“We believe strongly in due process and will continue to pursue lawful means to address this matter,” he said.

He added that the incident occurred early in the morning, resulting in vandalism and the removal of union property.

”They came as early as 7 a.m. with hoodlums and carried out the act without recourse to the law, vandalising property and removing items from the secretariat.

“We were not served any notice, and there are clear legal processes for enforcing judgments. Taking the law into one’s hands is unacceptable,” Agbeyangi said.

The General Secretary further stated that no staff or officials were present during the incident, preventing possible confrontation or escalation of violence.

He disclosed that the union had filed an appeal and obtained a stay of execution on the purported judgment, which it described as contentious.

“Due legal processes must be followed in executing court judgments, and self-help must be avoided. Several related cases involving the union are still pending before courts, and we urge all stakeholders to respect judicial processes,” he added.

Agbeyangi also called on security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure the protection of lives and property at the secretariat, while reaffirming the union’s commitment to peace, dialogue, and lawful resolution of leadership disputes.

In his reaction, Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya, also known as MC Oluomo and National President of NURTW, described the attack and vandalism of the secretariat as unfortunate.

He noted that he was not a defendant in the judgment relied upon by Baruwa, and that the ruling had been appealed with a stay of execution already in place.

“I wish to inform members of the union and the general public that I was not a defendant in the purported judgment.

“The judgment has been appealed, and a stay of execution has been duly entered. I have not engaged with Mr Baruwa or any individual,” he said.

NAN reports that The National Industrial Court had in 2023 declared Baruwa the duly elected president of the union.

The latest development is the latest chapter in a long-standing leadership tussle within the union.

The dispute dates back to internal elections held in 2022, which produced conflicting outcomes and multiple court cases.

Baruwa claimed to have been duly elected during the elections, but rival factions, including supporters of Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya (MC Oluomo), have challenged his presidency, citing irregularities and pending legal matters.

Several rulings and appeals have followed, leaving the leadership structure of NURTW contested and the secretariat the scene of repeated tensions.

NAN

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This, according to traffic agency represents a 2.4 per cent decline compared to figures recorded during the same period in 2024.

Addressing journalists at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, the Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, said the decrease indicated that post-crash response measures were yielding results, but noted that the outcome did not meet the Corps’ strategic goal of achieving a 10 per cent reduction in road traffic fatalities.

He said “Conversely, the number of persons killed declined from 5,421 to 5,289, representing a 2.4 percent reduction in the same period under review.

“Although, beyond the festive operation, on an annual basis, comparative analysis of 2024 and 2025 crash data shows that total crashes increased by 9.2 per cent from 9,570 to 10,446.

“Fatal crashes rose 2,532 in 2024 to 2,608 in 2025 representing 3.0 per cent, serious crashes by 10.5 per cent that is from 6,131 in 2024 to 6,772 in 2025 and minor crashes from 907 to 1,066 signifying 17.5 percent increase.

“The number of persons injured increased from 31,154 to 33,400 which is a 7.2 percent rise, and the number of people involved increased by 8.0 percent, “

Meanwhile, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Malam Shehu Mohammed, disclosed that a comparison of passenger and vehicular movement data for 2024 and 2025 showed steady growth in mobility across the country. Passenger traffic increased from 45.16 million in 2024 to 47.47 million in 2025, representing a 2.54 per cent rise.

He added that the number of vehicles on Nigerian roads also grew from 3.65 million to 3.74 million, reflecting a 1.25 per cent increase. Luxury bus operations expanded from 26,728 to 29,844 trips, a 5.51 per cent rise, while total distance covered rose significantly from 4.07 billion kilometres to 4.88 billion kilometres, an increase of 9.05 per cent.

Mohammed explained that the figures showed a notable rise in the movement of both people and vehicles in 2025, translating into higher traffic volumes, improved mobility and increased economic activity.

Despite the increased exposure on the roads, he noted that road traffic fatalities dropped by 2.4 per cent, with 132 lives saved compared to 2024. While injuries increased due to higher crash incidence, he said improved post-crash response and rescue efforts contributed to better survival outcomes.

“We measure progress not only by meeting targets, but by the number of lives preserved,” Mohammed said, adding that enforcement and emergency response measures were producing results but needed to be further strengthened.

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The development followed the adoption of a point of order raised by Sen. Abdul Ningi (PDP-Bauchi) at plenary on Thursday.

Ningi, citing order 42 (personal explanation) of the senate standing rules, called the attention of his colleagues to what he called the tragic history of the railway situation, particularly, the Kano and Kaduna rail lines.

“Mr President, you will recall, like my colleagues will recall, the Nigerian railway lines between Kano, between Kaduna and Abuja was laid by the then President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015. As he was departing, the rail line was commissioned.

“And subsequently, when the late President Muhammadu Buhari took over in May 2015, he further re-commissioned the lines, with about five heads of cargos and about eight to 10 coaches.

“From 2015, the railway started commuting 10 trenches of movement, five from Abuja to Kaduna and five from Kaduna to Abuja,” he said.

Ningi, however, said that his investigation revealed that NRC was commuting 10,000 passengers in a day as at then.

“Last two weeks, I visited Kaduna with the railway and what I found and discovered was simply a tragic Nigerian story.

“I spoke with leader of the railway, that is the manager, and he rendered these statistics to me.

“First, he told me they were commuting 10,000 passengers and because of the terrible nature of Kaduna-Abuja road, most people come from Kaduna to work and travel back to Kaduna.

“The 10,000 passengers they were doing a day was reduced to about 800 to 900 passengers.

“The 10 shuttling they were doing a day was reduced, Mr. President, to two times a day.

“And I was told that while the railway was working on full capacity, they were, of course, generating a revenue of N1.8 billion monthly,” Ningi said.

He said he was, at some time, a sub chairman of a committee on SURE-P, when the then administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan injected billions of naira into the nation’s railway system.

According to him, Nigeria cannot, as a nation, continue to allow decadence of its infrastructure and scarce resources.

“Mr President, this is very disturbing; it should not only disturb me, it must disturb this senate and Nigerians.

“As it looks, nobody is ready to do anything about it, without any prejudice to Adams Oshiomhole’s committee that is saddled with investigating the decadence of railway system in Nigeria.

“But this particular matter, I have also informed them as the ad hoc committee chairman of the decay,” Ningi explained.

Contributing, Sen. Adamu Alero (APC-Kebbi) said that NRC was facing serious revenue challenge, as the number of its trips had dropped from five to one.

He said that the challenge in operation was also caused by destruction of coaches by bandits, saying that fund had yet to be provided to replace the damaged coaches.

Alero, however, said that the Federal Government was on the matter and would provide fund to revamp the railway services.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who upheld the point of order, urged the ad-hoc committee to turn in its report to plenary in six weeks.

The committee has as Chairman, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo).

Other members of the committee include: Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA Abia), Osita Ngwu (PDP-Enugu), Ibrahim Dankwambo (PDP-Gombe), Ede Dafinone (APC-Delta) and Ireti Kingibe (LP-FCT).

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According to a statement by the Commission’s Head of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, the study is being conducted in line with Section 92 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 and the Competition Practices Regulations (CPR) 2007.

The exercise, which will involve the appointment of a private consultant, is designed to provide an objective, evidence-based evaluation of competitive dynamics across Nigeria’s telecoms market.

“Findings from the study are expected to inform regulatory actions that strengthen fair competition, protect consumer interests, encourage investment, and advance Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda, supporting long-term industry sustainability,” the statement said.

The NCC noted that the consultant will not work in isolation. Key stakeholders—including licensed operators, industry associations, and consumer advocacy groups—will be consulted and encouraged to provide data, insights, and policy perspectives, ensuring a robust and inclusive analysis.

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The council also allocated  N58 billion to the project as part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s transport sector and boost local automotive production.

The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. John Enoh, disclosed this while briefing State House Correspondents after the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.

He said three approved memoranda focused on industry, while two addressed trade and investment matters.

“The Federal Executive Council today approved five memos that relate to the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.”

“The first memo that was considered and approved was the award of a contract for the supply of 200 units of electric buses at the cost of N58bn for the National Automotive Design and Development Council.”

He said the project aligned with the administration’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s automotive infrastructure and drive industrial expansion.

Enoh said FEC also approved the design and construction of the Bank of Industry headquarters at Eko Atlantic City in Lagos.

“The approval for the construction of internal and access roads within the Lekki Medical Tourism Park was granted,” he said.

He added that Nigeria’s selection to host the Intra-African Trade Fair was formally reported to the council.

“Nigeria has officially been selected to host the Intra-African Trade Fair after a competitive bidding process,” he stated.

Enoh said Lagos was chosen as the host city, with the Lagos Creative and Cultural Centre, formerly the National Arts Theatre, designated as the main venue.

He said hosting the event strengthens Nigeria’s position within the African Continental Free Trade Area framework and aligns with ongoing industrialisation programmes being implemented with UNIDO

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Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, confirmed the figures in Port Harcourt, Rivers on Thursday during the National Town Hall Meeting and Ember Months Road Safety Campaign Flag-Off themed “Take Responsibility for Your Safety; Stop Distracted Driving.”

Mohammed, who said the figures represent an increase compared to the same period in 2024,
FRSC boss said the rising trend is a cause for concern, just as he also added that 7,715 crashes were recorded nationwide in 2025 — a 10.04% increase from 7,011 crashes in 2024.

24,674 people were injured, compared to 22,373 in 2024 — a 10.28% rise.3,915 deaths were recorded, higher than the 3,811 deaths in 2024 — an 11.55% increase

On the situation in Rivers State, Mohammed said the state recorded 15 deaths, 51 injuries, and 47 crashes within the same period — numbers that indicate a 35.7% reduction in fatalities and a 37.5% drop in injuries compared to 2024.

He also attributed the improvements in Rivers to better emergency response and increased road safety awareness.

Mohammed, who described the national statistics as “an alarming reminder that road crashes can destroy families, weaken communities, and impose socio-economic burdens on the nation, ” called on road users to exercise discipline, caution and vigilance while on the highways.

FRSC boss also explained that the FRSC has enhanced its proactive interventions, expanded public awareness campaigns, strengthened operations and deployed technology-driven approaches to improve road safety nationwide.

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The agency’s Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, who made this disclosure through a statement issued on Monday, said LASTMA operatives and other emergency responders are currently on site conducting recovery operations and may shut the main carriageway at any moment to ensure safety.

“In view of the ongoing operation, the entire main carriageway will be temporarily closed to traffic at any moment to allow for the safe, swift, and professional recovery of the gas tanker and to prevent any secondary incidents during the process,” Taofiq said in the statement.

The agency image-maker, who appealed to motorists for patience and cooperation, urged them to comply with diversion instructions from traffic officers on ground.

“Motorists are therefore strongly advised to exercise patience and cooperate with LASTMA officials and other emergency responders on the ground, as concerted efforts are being made to complete the evacuation operation within the shortest possible time and restore normal traffic flow,” the agency said, just as it also added that the safety of motorists remains a priority of the Lagos State Government, noting that further updates would be provided once the evacuation is completed.

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The NRC announced the suspension through a statement issued on Sunday.

Recall that before the unfortunate Kaduna-Abuja accident on August 26, the NRC had suspended the Warri-Itakpe train service since August 2, due to a series of breakdowns and other technical glitches.

Recall that on October 26, the corporation announced the official resumption of the Warri–Itakpe Train Service.

Last Sunday, through a statement issued by the management of the Corporation to newsmen in Warri, Delta State capital , said that the official resumption of the train service was scheduled for Wednesday, October 29, 2025, after its suspension.

Four days after services resumed on the route, the corporation stopped the operations due to a fresh derailment.

According to the statement signed by the Managing Director of the NRC, Kayode Opeifa, the corporation noted that the train derailment, which occurred at exactly 7:30 pm on Saturday, involved two out of the seven coaches of the train at Kilometre 212+8m, Agbor, Delta State.

Opeifa said in the statement that preliminary investigations indicate that the incident may have been caused by suspected track vandalism.

“We are pleased to confirm that all passengers on board were safely evacuated to Agbor, and everyone has been fully accounted for. No casualties or injuries were recorded.

“Our recovery team, supported by security personnel, has been at the site since last night, carrying out recovery operations. These efforts are progressing steadily and are expected to be completed soon.”

“As a precautionary measure, train services on the corridor have been temporarily suspended today to enable a comprehensive security and safety audit of the track and related infrastructure.

“We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may cause our valued passengers and the general public. Normal operations will resume as soon as it is verified safe to do so,” NRC MD said.

The Warri-Itakpe train is the longest of the three modern trains (The two other modern trains are Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Kaduna), with over 3ookm.

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Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday, formally launched the EUR 410 million waterways infrastructure project aimed at developing rapid transportation options that will address Lagosians’ mobility needs.

The project, divided into two components, will be implemented by the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), with the second component expected to be completed by 2030.

Lagos secured the funding for the project via the Global Gateway Initiative, the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Union (EU) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), which earmarked a subsidised loan of EUR 360 million for the project.

The first component of the project covers channelisation, marking and dredging of 140km of ferry routes from which Lagos will be developing 15 priority ferry routes, including constructing high-quality infrastructure and facilities.

The entire Inland Waterways Transport infrastructure comprises 25 ferry terminals and jetties with electric charging facilities to power e-vessels. There will be onshore depots for routine vessel maintenance, while land connections, including road surfacing, will be developed for other transport services connecting to ferry terminals.

Sanwo-Olu described the Omi-Eko launch as “historic”, noting that the event was not just an unveiling ceremony but a “bold statement” reaffirming Lagos’ frontline leadership in delivering a sustainable integrated water transportation ecosystem.

The Governor said exploring the full range of waterways transportation was a critical priority in his administration’s THEMES+ Agenda to transform mobility in the metropolis.

He said: “Every Lagosian knows the frustration of traffic. But a few will remember that Lagos began as a network of islands, knitted together by water. Long before bridges connected city, boats carried dreams, goods, and people across the lagoons. This water body nourishes us, shapes the State’s identity and now, it will carry us into the future.

“The OMI-EKO project is a comprehensive, future-oriented blueprint for sustainable mobility in Lagos. It merges technology, environmental stewardship and smart design to create waterways that are not just navigated, but optimised. This is the kind of innovative projects cities around the world are building to confront the twin challenges of urban population growth and climate change. Lagos is not waiting to catch up, we are setting the pace.”

The project, it was said, would reduce the negative impact of transport on health, while also reinforcing the State’s ability to fight climate change. It would promote inclusive, more resilient means of mobility.

The investment would bring decarbonised transportation in Lagos, reducing CO2 emissions by 41,000 tonnes yearly. It is expected to take 25,000 passengers yearly, saving travel time by 3hrs on each trip.

Sanwo-Olu said the investment’s objective was to make transportation through water seamless, reduce carbon footprint, the air cleaner and transform waterways from barriers of separation into corridors of opportunity.

The Governor said: “The launch of this project is more than a ceremonial curtain pull. It is a covenant with our people, our planet, and with future generations. With OMI-EKO, we are lifting not only boats but lives, businesses, and communities. We are signaling that Lagos is ready to lead Africa’s urban transition by this bold, sustainable, and inclusive investment.”

Former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, who created LASWA in 2008, graced the ceremony to witness the historic project.

The former Works and Housing Minister hailed the Sanwo-Olu administration for nurturing the agency to a viable global entity.

Fashola said the OMI-EKO project would further expand the scope of the State’s integrated transportation network, expressing optimism that the project would not stall, given the commitment of the European partners.

Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Seun Osiyemi, said the project would unlock the full potential of Lagos inland waterways, bringing the final piece of the State’s Integrated Multimodal Transportation System to life.

“OMI-EKO aligns with broader Lagos Transport Policy, which promotes sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, while ensuring that transport solutions serve the people while protecting the environment. The project is not just about ferry operations; it is about empowering communities, creating jobs, easing congestion, and reducing our carbon footprint.”

Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, who doubles as LASWA’s head, noted that the OMI-EKO project was no longer a dream, but a reality that would be changing the course of transportation in Lagos.

He said the 70 hybrid electric ferries that would be deployed after the completion of the project would reduce pollutants’ emissions and boost clean mobility

The LASWA boss said 20 existing jetties would be upgraded with modern terminals across 15 major water routes.

Emmanuel said: “In the first phase, there will be dredging and channelisation of 15 ferry routes for safer and faster transport. Part of the benefits include technology transfer and capacity development for key agencies in the waterways, especially LASWA.

“There will be funding for the informal boat sector under our Vessel Industry. This is how we build a water-based economy that works for all — from operators to passengers, from private investors to our citizens.“

French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Noel Barrot, said the project received complete support from EU partners, given the untapped opportunities in Lagos waterways.

The envoy said the OMI-EKO project represented the “best possible” example of what partnership could achieve for the benefit of the people, pointing out that the development was part of the success of the bilateral cooperation reached during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to the French President Emmanuel Macron.

The EU Ambassador in Nigeria, Mr. Gautier Mignot, noted the partnership was an historical milestone for Lagos and EU member states, stressing that the investment would enhance life quality.

“This investment supports development of 12 strategic waterways corridors to enhance secure and efficient sustainable transport networks. Four of these corridors are located in West Africa. We are proud to be part of this project which showcases all the aspects of global gateway development,” Mignot said.

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