Lagos Green Line: $3 Billion Railway Project Set to Revamp Marina-Lekki Corridor
The Lagos State Government has announced an ambitious $3 billion railway project known as the Lagos Green Line, aimed at transforming transportation in the city’s eastern corridor from Marina to the Lekki Free Zone. Spanning 68 kilometers and featuring 17 stations, this railway initiative is a key part of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s plan to modernize urban mobility and alleviate chronic congestion along the Lekki-Epe route.
Starting at Marina Station, located in the bustling commercial hub of Lagos Island, the line will extend eastward through significant areas, including Lekki Phase 1, Ajah, and Sangotedo, ultimately reaching the rapidly developing Lekki Free Zone. The Green Line will be constructed with a combination of elevated and ground-level tracks, boasting modern transport design and comprehensive accessibility options.
The proposed stations include:
• Civic Centre, Lekki Phase 1, Freedom Way, Jakande Market
• Chevron Drive, Ajah Flyover, Sangotedo, and
• Lekki Free Zone, featuring a 15-hectare parking facility and a 23.4-hectare depot. Notably, the Ajah Flyover station will serve as a three-level transport interchange, accommodating rail, BRT, and pedestrian traffic.
Contrary to earlier rail projects in Lagos that were completed in phases, the Green Line will be built in a single phase. Officials claim this method will ensure timely completion and full operational functionality upon finishing. The project is anticipated to be completed within five years, subject to ongoing funding.
“This isn’t just a new rail line; it’s a long-term economic catalyst,” stated Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation Oluwaseun Osiyemi. “We’re fully committed to a one-phase approach to drive progress and make a lasting impact.”
The project is being developed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) involving:
• Lagos State Government,
• Federal Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), and
• China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC). CHEC will handle the design, engineering, financing, and operational management of the Green Line. This collaboration aims to align transportation improvements with Lagos’ broader economic development objectives, particularly in the industrial growth of the Ibeju-Lekki and Epe areas.
A significant aspect of the Green Line’s urban planning is the concept of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). The government anticipates that the rail corridor will foster new residential, commercial, and business hubs by integrating land-use planning with transport infrastructure. Areas such as Eti-Osa, Epe, and Ibeju-Lekki are expected to thrive economically as a result.
Furthermore, the corridor aims to reduce travel times between the island and Lekki Free Zone, thus alleviating heavy traffic and improving conditions for daily commuters and logistics providers.
In line with best practices, an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and a Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) are underway to address potential social and environmental consequences of the project.
Additionally, the state government has urged property owners along the corridor to ensure their developments receive proper approvals to avoid demolition or compensation issues when the project is completed.
Each station will feature:
• Green-and-white architectural designs,
• Elevators and escalators,
• Pedestrian bridges, and
• Infrastructure for last-mile connectivity.
Once operational, the Green Line is expected to serve thousands of daily commuters, significantly reducing traffic congestion, pollution, and travel costs in Lagos.
