Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos State Government has become the first sub-national government in Nigeria to secure a Permanent Rail Operating Licence, marking the end of the Nigerian Railway Corporation’s 128-year monopoly and opening a new chapter for rail transportation across the country.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) presents the licence to the Lagos State Government through the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), authorising the state to operate rail services on the shared corridor under the Track Sharing Agreement while paving the way for additional rail systems in line with national regulations.
Speaking during the presentation on Tuesday, NRC Managing Director, Dr Kayode Opeifa, describes the approval as a landmark reform that aligns Nigeria’s railway industry with global best practices.
“Today, we formally change that narrative by expanding our horizons and embracing the global best practice of encouraging multiple operators within a regulated rail system,” Opeifa says.
According to Opeifa, Lagos initially receives a temporary operating licence before satisfying all regulatory and safety requirements necessary for permanent approval.
“Today, we take another important step by presenting a Permanent Operating Licence to the Lagos State Government through LAMATA,” he says. “The licence also empowers the state to operate other rail systems in line with international standards.”
Opeifa commends Lagos State for sustained investment in rail infrastructure, rolling stock, technical capacity and workforce development.
“The development of modern rail infrastructure requires foresight, substantial capital investment and sustained political will, all of which Lagos State has consistently demonstrated.”
LAMATA Managing Director, Mrs Abimbola Akinajo, says the approval follows years of technical assessments and close collaboration with the NRC.
“It is only natural that Lagos would be the first. It wasn’t a walk in the park either; NRC put us through the full process,” she says.
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Mirian Gom 
