Lagos Set for Major Rail Expansion as FG Moves to Begin Lekki Green Line
Lagos Set for Major Rail Expansion as FG Moves to Begin Lekki Green Line
FG to begin Construction of the Lekki Green Line Metro in December 2026 starting from Phase 1A (Lekki phase 1- Sangotedo station), Lagos State 🇳🇬
Lagos is moving closer to expanding its urban rail network as the Federal Government targets December 2026 for the commencement of construction of the Lekki Green Line Metro, a major railway project designed to connect Lagos Island with the rapidly developing Lekki and Ibeju-Lekki corridors.
The proposed Green Line is part of the Lagos Strategic Transport Master Plan, an ambitious initiative aimed at improving mass transportation and providing more efficient connections between different parts of the state.
The railway is expected to cover approximately 69.7 kilometres, running from Marina on Lagos Island to the Lekki Free Trade Zone in Ibeju-Lekki, with 17 proposed stations along the corridor.
Some of the locations along the planned route include Marina, Civic Centre, Lekki Phase 1, Freedom Way, Jakande Market, Chevron, Ajah, Ogombo, Sangotedo, Lakowe, Eleko, Ibeju, Lekki Airport and the Lekki Free Trade Zone.
One of the major developments is the planned commencement of Phase 1A, covering the Lekki First Toll Gate to Sangotedo section. This is the initial section identified in the latest project update, with construction targeted to begin in December 2026.
The engineering design of the Green Line also makes it an interesting infrastructure project. Rather than running entirely on elevated bridges, the proposed railway will combine elevated and ground-level sections. Approximately 11.9 kilometres will be elevated, while about 57.8 kilometres will run at ground level.
The railway is also being designed around modern eight-car train sets, with a projected maximum operating speed of 100 kilometres per hour and an estimated passenger capacity of 35,000 people per hour in each direction.
Beyond providing another means of transportation, the project is expected to address some of the mobility challenges along the Lekki-Epe corridor, where population growth, residential estates, commercial activities and industrial developments have increased pressure on existing road infrastructure.
Its proposed connection with the existing Blue Line at Marina is another important feature. This will create an opportunity for passengers to transfer between the two railway systems, gradually improving connectivity across different parts of Lagos.
The economic implications could also extend beyond transportation. Improved access to residential and commercial districts could support business activities, create employment opportunities and encourage further investment around railway stations.
Its planned extension towards the Lekki Free Trade Zone is particularly significant because the area is emerging as an important industrial and commercial destination, with major developments such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port and other industrial investments.
On the financing side, the Federal Government provided counterpart funding provisions of ₦146.14 billion in the 2025 budget and ₦102.3 billion in the 2026 budget for the project.
In April 2026, the Federal Executive Council approved contracts for the Lagos Green Line, Kano Metro City Rail and Kaduna Light Rail projects, with the three projects collectively estimated at approximately $3 billion.
The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) is central to the state’s rail development programme, while the Federal Government is involved in the financing arrangements. China Harbour Engineering Company has been identified as the contractor for the Green Line project.
When completed, the proposed 70-kilometre railway will represent an important addition to Lagos’ transportation infrastructure, particularly for communities and businesses along the Lekki corridor.
More importantly, it reflects the growing need for cities to develop transportation systems alongside population growth, housing expansion and industrial development.
For a city like Lagos, where movement is directly connected to productivity and economic activities, investments in efficient mass transportation are essential to building a more connected and functional urban environment.
