The Lagos State House of Assembly has begun working on a bill to establish a state-owned railway corporation, aiming to create a comprehensive legal framework for its management and operation. The proposed law, “A Bill for a Law to Establish the Lagos State Railway Corporation and for Connected Matters, 2025,” seeks to provide a structured foundation for an efficient rail transport system in the state.
During a public hearing on the bill, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Mojisola Meranda, emphasized the government’s commitment to modernizing transportation infrastructure and improving residents’ quality of life. The establishment of the corporation is expected to enhance mobility, reduce road congestion, and shorten travel time across the state.
Railway transportation is considered a critical component of modern infrastructure, ensuring safe, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly movement of people and goods while driving trade, commerce, and economic growth. The proposed legislation includes provisions for the appointment of an Inspector of Railways, responsible for conducting regular inspections of trains and tracks, offering professional guidance, and ensuring the safety and operational integrity of rail services.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation, Hon. Temitope Adedeji, noted that the proposed corporation would play a vital role in easing the movement of people and goods within the state. Given Lagos’s rapidly growing population and the increasing demand for a modern, reliable transport system, the bill is seen as timely and necessary. The establishment of a robust legal and institutional framework is crucial to regulate and operate railway services efficiently, particularly at this pivotal point in the state’s infrastructural and economic development.
The creation of a state-owned railway corporation is expected to have a significant impact on the state’s transportation system, improving the overall quality of life for residents. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it is likely to undergo further scrutiny and debate. The outcome of this process will be critical in determining the future of railway transportation in Lagos State and its potential to drive economic growth and development.