NRC grants LAMATA 15-year operating licence for Lagos metro rail network
By Aboki Forex —
The Nigerian Railway Corporation has granted the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority a 15-year rail operating licence. It covers the Lagos Red Line, Blue Line and future rail lines developed within that period.
LAMATA announced this in a statement on Tuesday. The approval also includes a long-term Track Access Agreement. This lets LAMATA continue using NRC's railway corridor and simplifies the regulatory process for future rail projects.
The Track Access Agreement gives LAMATA continued access to NRC's rail infrastructure along the Red Line corridor between Agbado and Oyingbo for as long as it operates services on the route.
LAMATA added that Red Line operations will increase from nine daily trips to 24 by the fourth quarter of 2026. This follows the delivery of additional rolling stock.
The NRC granted LAMATA a permanent operating licence and a long-term Track Access Agreement. LAMATA described this as a landmark regulatory approval that will accelerate the expansion of Lagos' rail network and boost commuter services on the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Red Line.
A key part of the arrangement is the Track Access Agreement. It allows LAMATA to share NRC's rail infrastructure for as long as it continues operations on the corridor.
The newly issued 15-year operating licence extends beyond the Red Line. It covers the Blue Line and every future rail line developed by LAMATA within the licence period.
Future rail lines developed within the 15-year licence period will no longer need a fresh baseline operating licence. They will instead undergo final safety and operational inspections before passenger services begin.
The approval follows years of collaboration between the NRC and LAMATA to strengthen urban rail transportation in Lagos. The licence is expected to support increased passenger capacity on the state's growing metro rail network.
NRC Managing Director Dr. Kayode Opeifa said the approval followed years of collaboration between the corporation and LAMATA.