LAMATA – Tech | Business | Economy https://techeconomy.ng Tech | Business | Economy Tue, 21 Oct 2025 12:31:57 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://techeconomy.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/cropped-256Px-32x32.png LAMATA – Tech | Business | Economy https://techeconomy.ng 32 32 Lagos Becomes First State to Join PMI Global Executive Council https://techeconomy.ng/lagos-becomes-first-state-to-join-pmi-global-executive-council/ https://techeconomy.ng/lagos-becomes-first-state-to-join-pmi-global-executive-council/#respond Tue, 21 Oct 2025 12:31:57 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=169695 In a landmark move that cements its leadership in governance and infrastructure delivery, Lagos State has become the first African government to join the Project Management Institute (PMI) Global Executive Council (GEC).

The GEC unites esteemed representatives from top organisations worldwide to collaborate on the latest project management practices, craft enriching learning and networking opportunities, and host vibrant events with influential thought leaders.

The announcement was made by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu during a historic reception at Lagos House, Marina, where the Lagos State Government hosted the PMI Board of Directors, global leadership, and regional team.

It marked the first time PMI’s global board convened in Nigeria, underscoring the country’s growing significance in shaping global project management practices.

Welcoming the 23-member PMI delegation, led by President and CEO Pierre Le Manh, Governor Sanwo-Olu described Lagos’s membership of the GEC as “a defining moment that aligns with our vision to institutionalize project management excellence across government and ensure the timely, efficient delivery of infrastructure and social programs for our citizens.”

“In another 20 years, Lagos will be fully ready to take on the world. But to realize our 30-year development plan and advance the T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda, we need world-class project management talent. This partnership with PMI is therefore more than words; it is a declaration of intent and a demonstration of responsibility.”

The Governor’s administration highlighted flagship initiatives that embody Lagos’s transformation agenda, from the Blue Line Rail, which cuts commute times from two hours to just 18 minutes, to the Lekki–Epe Expressway, serving Africa’s fastest-growing economic corridor, and the continent’s largest food logistics park, modelled after Paris’s renowned Rungis International Market.

Pierre Le Manh, President and CEO, PMI, underscored Africa’s pivotal moment in global project management, noting:

“Africa is entering what we call the Golden Age of Project Management, a period when the continent has the resources and ambition to build infrastructure at scale,” he said. “With its young, dynamic population and bold vision, Lagos has the potential to leapfrog traditional development models. We are honored that Lagos State has chosen PMI as its partner in building this capability.”

The visit coincides with Nigeria’s hosting of the inaugural PMI Africa Week in October 2025, a certification drive designed to address Nigeria’s projected shortfall of up to 211,000 project professionals by 2035. Lagos State’s pledge to certify its public servants stands as a first-of-its-kind, government-led project management certification initiative in Africa, underscoring its commitment to institutional excellence and sustainable capacity building.

“When Nigeria’s commercial capital throws its full weight behind project management certification, it creates unstoppable momentum,” said George Asamani, managing director, PMI Sub-Saharan Africa. “Lagos State is demonstrating that professional project management is not optional for development; it is essential infrastructure, as vital as roads or power grids.”

At the reception, presentations showcased Lagos State’s unprecedented infrastructure pipeline, including more than $122 billion in energy investments projected through 2045 and multiple rail lines currently under construction.

Engr. Abimbola Akinajo, managing director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), reported that the Blue Line Rail now operates 90 daily trips with zero accidents since inception, transporting over 60,000 passengers each day, a testament to the state’s commitment to safe, efficient, and sustainable urban mobility.

“Project management professionals are nation-builders, as vital to our progress as doctors, lawyers, and public servants,” said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who accepted the designation of PMI Africa Week Champion for Nigeria. “In a world where delivery defines success, investing in project talent is one of the most strategic choices any government can make.”

The reception, attended by commissioners, permanent secretaries, and heads of agencies, concluded with vibrant cultural performances celebrating Lagos’s status as Africa’s entertainment capital.

The PMI delegation, comprising 12 board directors from across the globe, concluded its visit to Lagos following a series of high-level engagements.

However, PMI Africa Week activities, including the ongoing certification drive, continue through the end of October, underscoring Lagos’s growing role as a hub for global collaboration in project leadership and innovation.

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LAMATA, NRC Harness Technology to Build Seamless Travel Experience with Integrated Ticketing https://techeconomy.ng/lamata-nrc-harness-technology-to-build-seamless-travel-experience/ https://techeconomy.ng/lamata-nrc-harness-technology-to-build-seamless-travel-experience/#comments Tue, 26 Aug 2025 17:01:08 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=165851 On a bright morning in Lagos, the hum of the city’s growing rail network met the footsteps of two teams united by a shared vision: to make train travel in Nigeria as seamless as tapping a card or scanning a phone.

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) are joining forces to make this vision real, harnessing technology to build an integrated ticketing system that puts passenger convenience at the center of mobility.

The partnership took shape during a recent visit by Dr. Kayode Opeifa, the managing director of NRC, to LAMATA’s rail facilities.

LAMATA and NRC leveraging technology for travel experience
Dr. Kayode Opeifa, managing director of NRC visits LAMATA’s rail facilities

Welcomed by Engr. Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, LAMATA’s managing director, the delegation toured some of the state’s most transformative rail assets, the Marina Train Station, the Blue Line Independent Power Plant (IPP), the Red Line’s Oyingbo Station, and the Security Control Center. Each stop reflected how technology is redefining Lagos’ urban mobility story.

For Dr. Opeifa, the future of train travel lies in integration.

“We are developing a ticketing system that will link the federal payment gateway with Lagos State’s electronic fare collection system,” he explained. “This means commuters will no longer need to juggle multiple tickets or payment platforms. With one system, travel will be smarter, easier, and more efficient.”

Engr. Akinajo echoed this vision of technology-driven convenience, noting that LAMATA is deliberately building connections at critical interchanges such as Agbado and Agege.

“Seamless mobility is our focus,” she said. “By linking systems and networks, we are ensuring that a passenger can move from one end of Lagos to another without unnecessary barriers. This is how cities of the future function, and Lagos is on that path.”

She also pointed to the Blue Line’s impressive 99% uptime since launch, a testament to how technology is powering reliability in Lagos’ modern rail system.

Backed by the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, LAMATA is not just building rail lines, it is building confidence in public transport through consistent service and smart integration.

LAMATA and NRC leveraging technology for travel experience
LAMATA monitoring system

The strengthened partnership between LAMATA and NRC goes beyond infrastructure, it is about creating a travel experience where technology serves the commuter. From integrated ticketing to real-time monitoring, both organisations are shaping a future where Lagosians can rely on public transport that is safe, efficient, and digitally connected.

For millions of daily commuters, this means more than convenience. It is the promise of a Lagos where transport is not just a necessity, but a smooth, tech-driven experience that fuels productivity, trust, and growth.

[Source]

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Lagos to Purchase additional 2,050 BRT Buses https://techeconomy.ng/lagos-to-purchase-additional-2050-brt-buses/ https://techeconomy.ng/lagos-to-purchase-additional-2050-brt-buses/#respond Mon, 26 Feb 2024 15:47:12 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=126004 Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, says the state government is planning to buy no fewer than 2,050 vehicles to ease movement across the state.

Osiyemi said this in an interview with the NAN on Sunday. He said that the procurement of the vehicles –Bus Rapid Transit — would further address queues at bus stations.

According to him, more BRT buses will also be provided with the support of an oil company that has promised to support the government’s effort.

According to him, “We’re aware of the long queues in all our stations, especially on Mondays. We’re working better to serve the good people of Lagos State. “We’re almost done with the procurement of 2,000 BRT buses to ease the queues in the stations.

“You know Lagos State believes in public and private partnership, therefore, an oil company is giving us 50 electric buses in addition to the ones the state government is procuring. “So, residents of Lagos State will no longer have to suffer the long queues,” he said.

The state government had earlier announced a plan to reduce transportation fares by 25 percent on all routes, the commissioner said that the announcement was one of the palliative measures to check queues in bus stations.

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (LAMATA) established America’s First Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme, which went into operation on March 17, 2008, in Lagos, Nigeria, to reduce the number of vehicles navigating the constantly congested roads as well as to reduce, curtail, the level of gas emission, and curb the menace constituted by the commercial bus drivers in Lagos State.

It is important to note that the public transportation sector, especially the BRT in Lagos is characterized by long waiting queues, irregularity, and uncertainty around the bus arrival time which has frustrated so many to resulted in alternative transportation mediums or perhaps the purchase of individual cars, which has further increased the number of vehicles on our ever-busy roads, particularly during the peak period.

The BRT operation in the state has its dedicated lane which has been instrumental to its expansion.

The Bus Rapid Transit aimed at addressing unnecessary delays of commuters at some major bus terminals, which is sometimes connected to the non-adherence of buses to the scheduled timetable.

BRT’s operation has significantly impacted the traveling pattern of commuters around the corridor; hence, further improvement in its service will enhance the confidence of the commuters in its service.

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Lagosians Shocked by New BRT Fares https://techeconomy.ng/lagosians-shocked-by-new-brt-fares/ https://techeconomy.ng/lagosians-shocked-by-new-brt-fares/#respond Mon, 29 Jan 2024 09:22:49 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=123732 Most Lagosian woke to the shock of the unsubsidized Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) fares in the wee hours of Monday as they commute to their respective destinations.

According to our correspondent who monitored the development on Abulegba, a sun-rub of Lagos to Oshodi route, the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) terminal was agog as commuters began to question the rationality behind the increase, in the wake of their new realities.

Our correspondent gathered that as at last week Friday AbuleEgba to Oshodi was around  #417,  but has jacked to #550 this morning. Another regular user of the BRT, who shared her experience with our correspondent said, there was an increase of #300 from the “Igando” area of Lagos Island this Morning (Monday).

Reacting, Mr.  Mutiu Yekeen, the communication manager of Primero Transport Services Ltd, one of the contractors who manage the Bus Rapid Transit (the BRT), told our correspondent that, the Lagos state government through the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA),  had already informed the public, that  the government’s subsidy on transportation fares aimed at cushioning the removal of petrol subsidy has come to an end.

He said, “We are not incharge of the recent subsidy implemented by the Lagos State Government to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy, but   prior information was given by  LAMASA and relevant authority which you can contact as well.

Techeconomy had earlier reported that the Lagos State Government, through the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), announced the end of the 25% discount on transport fares across the entire Lagos State Public Transport System, starting from Sunday, January 28, 2024.

LAMATA issued a public notice on Friday, January 26, 2024, revealing the discontinuation of the 25-transport fare discount, through its official X (formerly Twitter) account.

Recall that on July 31, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced the reduction of transport fares of state-owned buses by 50% as well as commercial yellow buses by 25% on all routes as part of efforts to cushion the effect of the removal of the petrol subsidy.

The agency also advised Lagosians to take note of the change and to make the necessary preparations for the resumption of regular transport fare rates that were in place before the adjustment made in December.

In other words, from today, Monday, 29th January 2024, transport fare on regulated services return to 100%.

[Featured Image Credit]

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Subsidy Removal: 25% Palliative Discount on Lagos State Transport Fares Ends Sunday – LAMATA https://techeconomy.ng/subsidy-removal-25-palliative-discount-on-lagos-state-transport-fares-ends-sunday-lamata/ https://techeconomy.ng/subsidy-removal-25-palliative-discount-on-lagos-state-transport-fares-ends-sunday-lamata/#comments Sat, 27 Jan 2024 11:52:28 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=123648 The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), has announced the end of the 25% discount on transport fares across the entire Lagos State Public Transport System, starting from Sunday, January 28, 2024.  

LAMATA issued a public notice on Friday, January 26, 2024, revealing the discontinuation of the 25-transport fare discount, through its official X (formerly Twitter) account.

Recall that on July 31, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced the reduction of transport fares of state-owned buses by 50% as well as commercial yellow buses by 25% on all routes as part of efforts to cushion the effect of the removal of the petrol subsidy.

The agency also advised Lagosians to take note of the change and to make the necessary preparations for the resumption of regular transport fare rates that were in place before the adjustment made in December.

In other words, from Monday, 29th January 2024, transport fare on regulated services return to 100%. 

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Chain Reactions Africa Winds Down 2023 with Multiple Industry Awards  https://techeconomy.ng/chain-reactions-africa-winds-down-2023-with-multiple-industry-awards/ https://techeconomy.ng/chain-reactions-africa-winds-down-2023-with-multiple-industry-awards/#comments Sat, 30 Dec 2023 08:17:22 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=121587 Chain Reactions Africa, has again demonstrated its industry prowess in the public relations and integrated marketing communications space by emerging winners of a quintuplet of awards at the recently held Lagos Public Relations Industry Gala & Awards (LaPRIGA) 2023.  

The 8th Edition of the LaPRIGA Awards tagged, ‘The Game Changers’ organised by the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), had its podium of lights and colours welcoming the distinguished delegation of Chain Reactions Africa five times to receive five deserving awards at a colourful ceremony held on Thursday, 21st December 2023, at the MUSON Centre in Onikan, Lagos.

Chain Reactions Africa NIPR Awards
Chain Reactions Africa NIPR Awards

Chain Reactions Africa emerged as winner of the ‘PR Agency of the Year’ for the firm’s admirable professionalism, management of key accounts, employing global best practices and processes for a bouquet of communications campaigns, and most importantly, delivering some of the most exciting PR-led campaigns in the year under review.

The firm also scooped the ‘Best in Risk and Crisis Management’ category for effective use of Public Relations to manage crisis at the highest levels of the corporate sphere and public governance; just as its mastery of framing political campaigns where it came tops as ‘Best in Political Communication’ category for skillfully engineering consent and influencing political choices on behalf of clients which included the “Greater Lagos Rising Re-election Campaign” for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State in the last governorship elections.

Chain Reactions Africa further showed versatility and class by clinching the ‘Public Sector PR Campaign of the Year’ for the firm’s outstanding campaign to promote the launch of the Lagos Blue Line for the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).

The highlight of the LaPRIGA awards night was the crowning of the Managing Director/Chief Strategist of Chain Reactions Africa, Israel ‘Jaiye Opayemi, who doubles as the President of the Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN), as the ‘PR Practitioner of the Year’ for his enviable leadership of a dynamic organization with impeccable profile and quality.

Over the years, Opayemi has consistently pushed the limits of what is possible in the industry through grit, passion, professionalism, and a consistent industry clarion call to practitioners to consistently raise the bar of excellence in public relations practice to gain the respect of clients.

The ceremony had twenty award categories with Chain Reactions Africa unilaterally leading this year’s collection with five. Others are ‘Special Honorary Awards’ and ‘Lifetime Achievements Award’ bestowed on individuals and institutions who have distinguished themselves through their contributions and support to the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.

Commenting on the LaPRIGA Awards recognitions, ‘Jaiye Opayemi, the MD/Chief Strategist of Chain Reactions Africa, Israel noted the importance of these honours to the firm as a brand, on the industry, and the nation.

“The award recognitions are evidence of our hard work, commitment and discipline to the Public Relations and Integrated Marketing profession where do a brave brand of consulting.

“The greatest honour any professional can receive is the honour bestowed by your own peers. It is a true reflection of where and how you stand in the fierce game.

“As a consulting firm, Chain Reactions Africa is sincerely grateful to the leaders and members of Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the LaPRIGA Awards Committee and all stakeholders in the Public Relations and Integrated Marketing Communications space who recognize the brave works we are doing for our clients. To all winners, I congratulate you, and to all nominees, being nominated is evidence of the fact that the great works you are doing got onto the measuring scale in the first place. I celebrate you and I am proud to be in your community”, Mr. Opayemi said.

“Being audaciously strategic is at the heart of all we do. It is etched in our DNA. We love those clients who allow us the space to do extraordinary works and give expressions to our brave thinking to be different in managing their brands. These awards are for you.

“To my amazing tribe of creative rebels at Chain Reactions Africa, these awards are the gratifications your souls need for all your hard work and sleepless nights. These awards are however the reminders that we need to be relentless and do more”, Opayemi added.

The LaPRIGA is a prestigious high-profile award that recognises excellence and celebrates practitioners in public relations practice in Nigeria.

LaPRIGA has evolved into what public relations practitioners fondly refer to as ‘the Oscars of the Public Relations Industry in Nigeria’, adding new colours, dimensions and values by recognising best accomplishments in public relations and reputation management in Nigeria.

With these awards, Chain Reactions Africa has demonstrated admirable industry dominance. Earlier in the year, in far away Lusaka, Zambia, Chain Reactions also scooped the SABRE Africa Award’s ‘Corporate Image Certificate of Excellence’ recognition for its ‘Momentum Campaign’, a campaign executed for Cellulant, a flagship payment solution company in multiple markets across Africa.

Same recognition was earned by Chain Reactions Africa for its contributions to the ‘The NaijaHighlandah Challenge #TNH’ by William Lawson’s, a Scotch Whiskey brand, in the ‘Marketing to Consumers’ session.

Chain Reactions Africa also earned Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State the ‘CEO of the Year’ in the SABRE Africa Diamond Category for his use of the tools of public relations in his 2023 re-election campaign.

This category is for Corporate or Political CEOs who allow the use of public relations in communicating their works.

In September 2023, Chain Reactions Africa also emerged as the Outstanding PR Agency of the Year and its MD/Chief Strategist, Israel Jaiye Opayemi won the Outstanding Leadership Award in Public Relations at the 2023 edition of the prestigious Marketing Edge Brands and Advertising Excellence Awards held in Lagos.

Recently, the firm again won BrandCom’s ‘Award for ‘Most Outstanding Agency in Political and Public Sector PR’ while its MD/ CEO won the award for the ‘Most Outstanding CEO of Year – Public Relations’.

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​Health Insurance: Cross-Industry Integration made Possible by Truthware Solutions https://techeconomy.ng/health-insurance-cross-industry-integration-made-possible-by-truthware-solutions/ https://techeconomy.ng/health-insurance-cross-industry-integration-made-possible-by-truthware-solutions/#respond Mon, 15 May 2023 17:16:29 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=102020 By: Olivia Nnorom

​Truthware Solutions, a Business Enterprise Solutions Integrator crossed another landmark through its newest business integrated solutions, by fostering an integration between A​xa Mansard​ and A​irtel Nigeria to launch an Innovative Embedded Insurance Product

In his welcome address at the product launch, ​​Femi Oshinlaja ​the Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, stated that;

​​In line with Airtel’s core value, which is to deliver solutions that enrich the lives of our customers, we are pleased to partner with AXA Mansard Health, to launch a cutting-edge health bundle that will add value to our customers. This partnership aims to provide easy and pocket friendly health insurance access to Airtel users, through mobile data service”.

Also commenting on the launch, Tope Adeniyi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, AXA Mansard stated​;

​​We are delighted to collaborate with Airtel to make health insurance accessible through mobile services, and we believe that this is currently one of the most innovative and relevant solutions that will empower more Nigerians to conveniently access best-in-class health insurance value offerings”.

Embedded insurance is an emerging trend in the insurance industry, offering customers the convenience of purchasing insurance coverage directly through the products they are already using. Using APIs developed by Truthware, the cross-industry integration will enable millions of customers across Nigeria​ to​access health care services at affordable prices, easy registration and a minimum barrier to entry.

“Embedded insurance is the future of insurance, and we are thrilled to be at the forefront of this exciting trend,” said Deji Macaulay, CEO of Truthware. “Truthware is committed to digital transformation across Africa and the integration of these two industry leaders has birthed a solution to a perennial problem of health care access and affordability in Nigeria.

The Airtel AXA Mansard health bundle gives Airtel customers the opportunity to access low-cost health care consultation and treatment of primary care issues. 

The bundle plan is said to provide three forms of healthcare services, including telemedicine, pharmacy, and hospitalisation reimbursement, and Airtel customers can subscribe by dialing *141*44# to select the service.

Macaulay added that customers will be able to engage hundreds of doctors using the latest AI and ChatBot technology provided by AXA and enjoy the convenience of home consultation, access to several local pharmacies (free of charge) and cash reimbursements in case of hospital visits via their website.

Commenting at the launch, Alfred Egbai, Group Head, Emerging Markets and Digital Partnerships at AXA stated, “we are committed to providing our customers with the best possible service and support. Our embedded insurance product is just one example of how we are leveraging technology to create more value for our customers to help them achieve their goals.”

With the additional data bundle configured by Airtel, customers can simply dial *141*44# to access the service and enjoy automated health protection. Customers can access the bundle for as low as N700 to secure 2GB of data and health coverage up to N50,000 yearly.

To affirm its commitment to improve business solutions in Nigeria’s MSME ecosystem, Truthware’s CTO Mr Samuel Ishie stated that “Our API hub provides a layer of seamless connectivity towards mobile networks and we are happy to have delivered the middleware democratizing health care protection via the mobile telecoms networks. Our platform is built to be flexible, robust and scalable to manage millions of transactions.”

Airtel’s Head of Digital and Carrier Services, Guruman Iwundu concluded the product presentation by saying, “the Airtel AXA-Mansard health bundle is a game-changer in the Nigerian healthcare system. Airtel is committed to delivering solutions that enrich the lives of its customers, and this health bundle is one of such solutions. We urge all Airtel customers to take advantage of this innovative service and protect themselves and their loved ones.”.

Truthware, which serves as a gateway for industries to access telecommunications services has carried out this activity for companies across industries for over 10 years.

With a rich client portfolio which comprises companies such as MTN, Airtel, LAMATA, CowryWifi, WiFlix, Glo, Vodafone and more they are just getting started.

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Lagos Begins Two-months Free Trial Run of Blue Rail Line https://techeconomy.ng/lagos-begins-two-months-free-trial-run-of-blue-rail-line/ https://techeconomy.ng/lagos-begins-two-months-free-trial-run-of-blue-rail-line/#respond Tue, 14 Feb 2023 10:51:56 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=95829 The Lagos State Government says that it has commenced the test running of the 13-kilometer Lagos Blue Line train service.

Lagos Rail Mass Transit is a rapid transit system in Lagos State. The rail system is managed by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority.

This was disclosed by the Managing Director, Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Abimbola Akinajo, at the commencement of the test running in Lagos on Monday from Marina to Mile 2.

Akinajo said that the exercise would last between 2 to 3 months, to enable Lagos residents to enjoy the free ride before the full rail operation begins in April.

Test-run involves a free train ride 3 times a week over the next 2 months

The LAMATA boss said the testing would be carried out three times a week over the next two months.

She said, “The test run is open for Lagosians from all walks of life to board the train and have a feel of its comfort.

“Market men and women, artisans, students, members of the media, and other professionals are being invited to enjoy the free train ride.”

“Any Nigerian who wishes to join the free train ride should send their email address to LAMATA to enable us to book them for the free ride within the week.’’

According to her, rail transport is not a direct bus system; there are a lot of things that are involved, including all these.

She said, “We must ensure we put them in top shape before we begin commercial operation.”

She said the authority expected feedback from all categories of people, such as traders, university students, and primary and secondary schools, during the test run before starting the commercial operation.

Train operations to run from 5.30 am to 11 pm daily
Akinajo said the automatic processing unit could process 250 passengers every minute, adding that the schedule called for a train to run every 3 minutes.

She said, “For the first phase, the Blue Light train will be able to carry between 200,000 and 250,000 passengers daily, based on the availability of rolling stock.”

”Right now, the government has purchased three rolling stocks, while another six may be purchased when the government completes the second phase.”

“Operations would run from 5.30 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day.” The system is designed to run a train in three minutes.

”During rush hours, we will pull more trains, while during off-peak periods, we will pull off the operation.’’

She said that the government was still working on the template that would make the train affordable to the people, based on the current situation in the country.

The LAMATA boss stated that the fare had not been set by the government, but that when it was, the government would ensure that it reflected the current circumstances and was affordable and friendly to residents.

 

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Lagos Red Line to Serve One Million Passengers Daily – MD LAMATA  https://techeconomy.ng/lagos-red-line-to-serve-one-million-passengers-daily-md-lamata/ https://techeconomy.ng/lagos-red-line-to-serve-one-million-passengers-daily-md-lamata/#respond Thu, 09 Jun 2022 07:54:21 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=76019 The  37 kilometers red line rail project by the Lagos State Government will serve at least 1 million passengers daily upon completion, Abimbola Akinajo has said. 

Abimbola Akinajo who leads as the Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), during a panel session at the Africa Mobility Conference in Eko Hotel, said the government was very much concerned about the future of transportation. 

She revealed that the government plans to complete both the blue and red metro lines this year, to meet the demand of road passengers.

She also added that the yearns for a transport sector driven by technology, where individuals and groups of people can easily engage, track and plan their movements via public and private mobility means by simply engaging their phones.

According to MD LAMATA, future mobility must speak to the ease of mobility by leveraging technology to drive physical infrastructure.

She said all transportation modes such as land, water, and rail must be fully integrated and driven by technology. 

My vision for me is to have a fully integrated transport system by ensuring that road, rail, and water are connected through technology without hassle within a short timeframe. 

“Think of the ease of mobility, so we can’t take away technology from it. We will continue to drive physical infrastructure, which must be aided and completely driven by technology.” 

In another conference, she said, “A study conducted on the red line says it should serve a million passengers, while the blue line should serve 750,000 passengers a day.”

The LAMATA boss also noted that the rail lines would not only be sustainable but would also reduce carbon emissions greatly when they begin operations.

She noted that the blue rail line would be electric, while the engine of the red line, though would run on diesel, can be converted to electric to tie into the plan of reducing combustion in the mega city.

Akinajo explained that building the rail lines had not been so smooth as the workers encountered many challenges in the process.

“Lagos Is a small land area and it is highly populated. The first challenge is securing the right of way. However, securing your corridor is a big challenge.”

She mentioned that the cost of the rail line and every other thing involved in it was also another challenge the authority faced. An example, she added, was that workers had to be very cautious while building the tracks in order not to destroy public utilities like underground pipes.

“We are sharing the track with the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) on the red line from Agbado to Ebute Meta. And then we would be building our own independent track from Ebute Meta to Oyingbo. The final one is when we move from Oyingbo to Marina.”

The LAMATA boss advocated for rail as the best form of mass transit transportation. She said the government was committed to completing all rail projects, as well as the monorail it promised. This development, she said, would bring about more jobs.

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Like GIGM, Oando is in Talks With Lagos State to Bring in Electric Vehicles https://techeconomy.ng/like-gigm-oando-is-in-talks-with-lagos-state-to-bring-in-electric-vehicles/ https://techeconomy.ng/like-gigm-oando-is-in-talks-with-lagos-state-to-bring-in-electric-vehicles/#respond Tue, 07 Jun 2022 09:05:24 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=75828 The ambitious move by the private sector to see the rollout of more electric vehicles on the streets of Lagos State is gathering momentum.

Experts have agreed that the future of transport would be driven by technology through electric vehicles.

In 2021, GIG Logistics unveiled its electric vehicle in Lagos. Its sister company is currently in talks with the Lagos State Government to bring in EVs.

Now, Oando Plc. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, to introduce electric mass transit buses.

In a statement obtained by TechEconomy,  Abimbola Akinajo, Managing Director, LAMATA, said Oando Clean Energy approached them with a comprehensive solution that went beyond electric mass transit buses to include supporting infrastructure.

She added, “this was key for us, as the full remit of an EV support ecosystem is the only way to achieve success. 

“This initiative will not only accelerate the government’s transportation agenda but will also positively impact the health of Lagosians and the environment.

“The Oando brand comes with know-how and experience, and we are relying on this to successfully move from MoU signing to actual implementation that will in the medium to long term benefit over 22 million Lagos commuters. 

We look forward to a very robust and fruitful partnership.

“The initiative reinforces the importance of Public-Private Partnership, PPP, enabling the continent to actualize its industrialization goals.

Across Africa, the PPP model has become increasingly critical as both a funding and operational mechanism for social and economic infrastructure. 

“It’s a well-known fact that public infrastructure and service needs exceed the capability of Government budgets. This is true in virtually every area of public life across the world, from highways to waterworks. 

“It is for this reason and more that Public Private Partnerships, PPP, are increasingly relied on to enhance the abilities of Governments in addressing pressing public needs and improving the overall quality of life for her citizens.”

According to Adewale Tinubu, Chairman, Oando Clean Energy, Oando Clean Energy was born out of a need to curate the best energy mix to propel Nigeria and indeed Africa, to its full potential. 

He said as a company, Oando has always championed Public-Private Partnerships as fundamental to Nigeria’s industrialization. 

“Through the signing of this MoU, we are revolutionizing the landscape of mobility by pioneering e-mobility in Lagos.

“Furthermore, we remain dedicated to achieving our national commitment to net-zero by 2060, ending energy deficiencies and further propelling the country to an industrialized phase through decentralized and sustainable energy systems.

“We are excited to be embarking on this journey with Lagos State and must commend their foresight and willingness to forge a template for others to follow. 

“It’s easy to be perturbed by the perceived challenges that come with the mega-city status tag, but by taking this bold step, Lagos is showing the continent what is, indeed, possible and giving other cities the impetus to redefine today how to build a public transport system for the future.”

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