The Lagos State House of Assembly has commenced legislative proceedings on a bill seeking to establish a comprehensive legal framework for the creation and operation of a state-owned railway corporation.
The proposed law, titled “A Bill for a Law to Establish the Lagos State Railway Corporation and for Connected Matters, 2025,” aims to provide the foundation for a modern, efficient, and sustainable rail transport system across the state.
A Bold Step Toward Modern Infrastructure
Speaking at a one-day public hearing on Wednesday in Lagos, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to improving transportation infrastructure and enhancing residents’ quality of life.
Obasa, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Mojisola Meranda, described the proposed corporation as a “bold and visionary step” toward easing mobility, reducing road congestion, and shortening travel time.
“This proposed legislation represents yet another bold and visionary step in the Lagos State Government’s continued efforts to improve the welfare and quality of life of its people,” he said.
“Railway transportation remains a critical component of modern infrastructure. It ensures safe, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly movement of people and goods while driving trade, commerce, and economic growth.”
Safety Oversight and Professional Regulation
The Speaker further explained that Section 26 of the bill provides for the appointment of an Inspector of Railways, who will be responsible for:
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Conducting regular inspections of trains and tracks,
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Offering professional and technical guidance, and
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Ensuring safety, compliance, and operational efficiency across the network.
Committee Chairman Backs the Bill
In his remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation, Hon. Temitope Adedeji, emphasized that the creation of the railway corporation is vital for addressing Lagos’s growing mobility challenges.
Adedeji, who represents Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency 1, described the bill as both timely and essential, noting that the state’s rapidly increasing population and economic expansion demand a more reliable and modern transport system.
“With the state standing at a pivotal point in its infrastructural and economic development, there is an urgent need to establish a robust legal and institutional framework to regulate and operate railway services efficiently,” he said.
The proposed bill, when passed into law, is expected to enhance transportation efficiency, support economic growth, and complement the state’s ongoing efforts to build an integrated, multimodal transport network.
