The Lagos State Government has announced plans to commence construction of the highly anticipated $3 billion Green Line Rail Project in December 2025. The new metro line, which will connect Marina to the Lekki Free Zone, is expected to transform urban mobility across the state and strengthen Lagos’ position as West Africa’s leading smart city.
According to project details released by the state government, the Green Line will span approximately 70 kilometres, featuring 17 stations strategically located along major growth corridors including Victoria Island, Lekki, Ajah, Sangotedo, and Epe.
A Landmark Infrastructure Investment
The project will be executed in two major phases.
- Phase 1 will cover the Lekki First Tollgate to Epe axis, while
- Phase 2 will extend from Marina, including an innovative on-water segment designed to connect island and mainland routes seamlessly.
The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) confirmed that the Green Line will feature elevated and at-grade tracks, complemented by modern stations equipped with pedestrian bridges, escalators, and elevators for ease of access. A maintenance depot will be sited near Sangotedo, while a 15-hectare park-and-ride facility will be developed within the Lekki Free Zone to support commuter convenience.
Technical Capacity and Service Design
Each train on the Green Line will consist of eight B-type cars capable of reaching speeds up to 100 km/h, operating at three-minute intervals during peak hours. The line is projected to transport up to 35,000 passengers per hour per direction, easing pressure on existing road infrastructure and reducing travel time between Marina and Lekki to under 40 minutes.
Strategic Partnerships and Financing
The Lagos State Government has entered a tripartite agreement with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) to design, finance, and operate the project. Funding will be sourced through a combination of state allocations, private sector participation, and a federal counterpart contribution of ₦146.14 billion, already captured in the 2025 national budget.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the Green Line as a flagship component of Lagos’ integrated transport master plan, which seeks to connect rail, road, and water transport systems across the state. “The Green Line is a strategic step toward achieving a multi-modal transport network that supports economic growth, tourism, and quality of life for all Lagos residents,” he said.
Anticipated Impact
When completed, the Green Line is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion on the Lekki–Epe corridor, improve access to the Lekki Free Zone and Dangote Refinery, and enhance investment inflows into the state’s infrastructure and logistics sectors.
Analysts note that the project’s success will depend on timely execution, adequate environmental safeguards, and integration with existing transport systems such as the Blue and Red Rail Lines, BRT network, and ferry terminals.
Outlook
With construction set to commence before year-end, the Lagos Green Line marks another milestone in the state’s long-term vision to deliver a sustainable, world-class transportation system. Upon completion, it will join the Blue Line and Red Line in redefining urban mobility and shaping the future of Lagos’ infrastructure landscape.
