Nigeria expands Chinese-built railway with new diesel-powered trains

The inaugural phase, known as the "Red Line," was inaugurated by Nigeria's President, Bola Tinubu, during a ceremony attended by dignitaries and officials, Railways Technology reports.

Constructed by China's state-owned CCECC construction firm, the Red Line spans a 27-kilometer (16.7-mile) route from a suburb just outside Lagos, commuting through the Yaba district, a hotspot for Nigeria's burgeoning technology startup sector. The next phase is expected to extend an additional 10 kilometres, reaching Marina, a prominent business district along Lagos's waterways.

With an estimated cost of $135 million, as disclosed by the Lagos government, this rail project is the second of its kind to be introduced in the city within the past year. The prior addition was the 13-kilometer first phase of the electricity-powered "Blue Line," which commenced operations in September. The collective aim is to transform Lagos's transportation landscape, with the trains anticipated to transport over half a million residents daily. Commute times are expected to be significantly reduced compared to traditional road transportation.

Lagos, which contributes a fifth of Nigeria's GDP, is comparable in economic size to nations like Ghana, Kenya, Angola, and Ethiopia. Despite its economic significance, the city has long grappled with a subpar road network, consistently ranking among the least habitable cities.

The investment seeks to not only address traffic congestion but also attract more businesses to Africa's largest city, fostering economic growth and enhancing the overall quality of life for its residents.