Lagos State Government has begun compensation payments to approximately 800 Ogun residents affected in the process of establishing the right of ways for the Lagos Rail Mass Transit, LRMT, Red line project in Ogun State.

The development comes on the heels of a Memorandum of Understanding between Lagos and Ogun states granting the former access to acquire spaces for the construction of a train station and depot yard at Agbado.

The compensation exercise was jointly executed by officials of the Land Bureau of the Ogun State Government and consultant to Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, Messrs. Global Impact and Environmental Service.

The Managing Director of LAMATA, Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, who was represented by the Technical Adviser, Corporate and Investment Planning, LAMATA, Engr. Osa Konyeha, described the compensation as a fulfillment of government’s promise.

She explained that the Government of Lagos State was working on some transport schemes that would benefit the people of Ogun State, and that one of such projects was the Red Line rail project which would have a station and depot in Agbado.

“The Red Line has been forecast to bring lots of economic and mobility benefits to Agbado and environs and shorten travel time between Agbado and Marina on Lagos Island by more than two hours, especially during the peak period of traffic.

“Lagos and Ogun governments on July 24, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) granting Lagos access to acquire space for the construction of a train station and depot yard at Agbodo.

“The MoU is a product of several high level meetings between both states for the Red Line rail which is projected to move more than One million passengers daily when fully completed.

“The Red line will also create employment for thousands of people apart from promoting real estate and improving the lifestyle of the people of both states.”

The LAMATA MD appreciated the Ogun State government for cooperating with Lagos State towards ensuring the completion of the rail project before the stipulated timeline. According to her, passenger operation was slated for the first quarter of 2023.