By Aderonke Ojediran

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos on Sunday thanked President Bola Tinubu for support toward the state’s transport reform.

Sanwo-Olu gave the commendation while inspecting newly-imported rolling stock for the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line project, at the National Theatre Train Terminal.

Describing the arrival of the coaches as a significant milestone, the governor said the development would boost the state’s efforts in delivering an efficient and modern rail service.

He said that the delivery of the rolling stock was made possible through the support of the Federal Government.

He said that the commitment of the Tinubu administration to Nigeria’s infrastructure development was commendable.

“We are here today to inspect the newly delivered coaches for the Blue Line project. These are brand-new coaches. It is part of our ongoing commitment to improving public transportation.

“We thank President Bola Tinubu for his support. His vision and encouragement have made this possible.

“This whole funding and the capacity for us as a state government to have embarked on this very transaction was made possible by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who supported us financially and extensively in the procurement of this additional rolling stock,” he said.

According to him, the new coaches will complement existing ones and help to reduce turnaround time, thereby significantly cutting travel time for millions of Lagos residents.

The governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to its THEMES Plus Agenda.

He pledged to complete the rail project on schedule, adding that the trains would meet the highest standard of safety and comfort.

“With this new set, we are doubling the capacity that we currently have on the Blue Line.

“This means that once they are scheduled, you will see a reduction in journey time, you will see a faster turnaround in journey time, and you will see a more reliable and predictable train experience on the Blue Line,” he said.

The Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Mrs Abimbola Akinajo, and the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, were at the event.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Blue Line rail project, being implemented by LAMATA, stretches from Marina on Lagos Island, through Mile 2, to Okokomaiko, with stations on key corridors. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Ijeoma Popoola