Amaechi criticizes Ambode’s handling of Lagos metro line

…praises Sanwo-Olu for completion efforts

By Kunle Sanni

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has expressed dissatisfaction with former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s management of the Lagos metro line project, particularly the Blue Line.

Amaechi voiced his concerns during the Intermodal Transportation Summit in Lagos, organized by the Transportation Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (TCAN), themed “Intermodal Transport: Prospects and Challenges.”

According to a report published by Daily Trust on Thursday, Amaechi recalled that the federal government had granted permission to the Lagos State Government to use the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) tracks for the Red Line.

However, he criticized Ambode for not taking the project seriously, leading to significant delays. He also mentioned that a monorail initiative had already begun in Rivers State before Lagos embarked on its metro line projects.

Despite his criticism of the previous administration, Amaechi commended the current Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for reviving the stalled metro projects and ensuring their eventual completion. Lagos recently made history as the first sub-national entity in Nigeria to commission metro lines, with the inauguration of the Red and Blue Lines, marking a significant milestone in urban transportation development.

He said, “There was a monorail in Rivers State. But in all honesty, Lagos State has done well in rail transportation. The point where I almost got upset was when Ambode nearly abandoned the Blue Line.

“I tried to reach Ambode. I even contacted the Vice President and reported him to the President until the new governor came. I said, ‘listen, we were about to close the line. There is a line the Ministry of Transport can give you based on our agreement.’

“Ambode told me they were not interested. He said they were going to construct a new track. I said, ‘no, don’t construct, use the federal government’s corridor. There isn’t enough train movement; buy your own coaches and run on our tracks.’”