· Flays union’s disruptive tendencies, says it’s not Nigeria’s only voice
· Inaugurates Lagos redline, states democracy measured by people-oriented outcomes
· We’re connecting the dots of Lagos, Sanwo-Olu boasts
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, took a swipe at organised labour for the series of strike actions they had embarked upon since he assumed office on May 29, 2023, saying such development is unacceptable to his administration.
Tinubu, who spoke at the inauguration of the Lagos Red Line Rail Project in Ikeja, further flayed what he described as the disruptive tendencies of labour, and declared that they were not the only voice in Nigeria. He advised the labour leaders to wait till 2027, if they were keen on holding elective public offices.
The president, while addressing some of the challenges and efforts of his administration, said no matter how hard corruption fought back, his response to it remained no.
Commending the Lagos State government for the realisation of the red line rail project, Tinubu said democracy was measured by people-oriented outcomes and the rail project was one of such indicators.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in his own speech, listed the strides of his administration, saying he is out to connect the dots of Lagos.
Organised labour had on Tuesday embarked on a two-day nationwide strike to protest the rising cost of living in the country and the seeming inaction of the federal government in the face of the people’s predicament.
But the inauguration of the rail project in Lagos provided an avenue for Tinubu to hit back at labour and other critics of his administration.
Directing criticism towards the country’s labour centres, Tinubu said, “Some labour unions should understand that no matter how we cling to our freedom and rights, to call for strikes within the first nine months of a new administration is unacceptable.
“If you want to directly participate in the electoral process, wait until 2027, if not, maintain the peace. Labour is not the only voice of Nigeria.”
While inaugurating the first phase of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line project, a 37-kilometre project expected to reduce travel time and improve transportation and logistics in the state, the president also witnessed the signing of the contract for Phase 2 of the project by Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Abimbola Akinajo, and Chairman of CCECC Nigeria Limited, Jason Zhang.
Before departing for a state visit to Qatar, the president undertook an inaugural train ride from the Ikeja station to the Agege station. He was accompanied by Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; some state governors; members of the federal and state executive councils; members of the federal and state legislative assemblies; Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun; and some journalists, among others.
Addressing a crowd at the train station in Ikeja, Tinubu directed Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Alkali, to ensure that the federal and subnational governments strengthened their collaboration to provide reliable, efficient, and affordable transportation systems for all Nigerians across the country.
The president stated, “It is my singular pleasure to inaugurate the first phase of the LRMT Red Line to the glory of God Almighty and for the benefit of the people.
“Today, I am seriously honoured that I am a Lagosian and the first to be President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. My promise is not to let you down. We will arrive at the destination with joy, happiness, and prosperity; God willing.”
Recalling his tenure as Lagos State governor, when the vision of a modern and effective public transportation system in the state was conceived, Tinubu described the project as a dream come true and a fulfilment of years of hard work and dedication by successive governments.
He said, “I am very happy, indeed, that today is a day to remember in Nigeria’s infrastructure history, particularly Lagos, the centre of excellence. Today is evidence that it is good to dream, and it is a serious validation of democracy as a form of government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
“When you put people at the centre of your vision and planning, you will realise the value of democracy. Twenty-five years ago, I was elected to lead Nigeria’s most populous state.
“From the very beginning, my team and I toiled day and night with a very bare cupboard and amidst pervasive deficiency to implement a developmental vision that would transform Lagos into an economic powerhouse. Today, we are realising that dream.
“The momentum of greatness we kick-started a quarter of a century ago has become unstoppable progress. It is not a crime to dream and dream big. Just stay focused and make development a central focus.”
Tinubu commended LAMATA, the urban transport agency he established over 20 years ago, for its exemplary performance and implored it to sustain the momentum in completing all other phases of the Red Line project, as well as the full execution of the broader rail blueprint of the state.
He called on Nigerians to embrace change and work towards national progress.
Speaking to newsmen aboard the train during the inaugural ride, Tinubu assured Nigerians that their lives would only become more enjoyable as modern amenities were built across the country under his progressive leadership.
He stated, “This is very efficient and comfortable, and I am happy. Our transportation system must be all about the people. We have cut down imports on PMS by almost 50 percent.
“We need mass transit to complement the daily efforts of citizens and make things easier for our people. And this is what this is all about. It is about the people. It is about democracy. We are happy about it.”
The president said corruption would have no place in his administration, and called on Nigerians to support efforts to fight the cankerworm.
Tinubu said, “On the issue of corruption, we will be on it, we are not looking back. Taking a close look at work in aviation, what is our problem, if it is corruption, we must exterminate it.
“No matter how hard it is fighting back, no to corruption, we must adhere to our pledge, patriotism, perseverance, consistency and stay open.”
Tinubu also applauded the state government,
He said, “Let me commend here the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for the giant strides. He was part of the vision, some 20 years ago. I sent them around as their governor and leader to look at the system in other parts of the countries and they worked hard.
“I am delighted that as we inaugurate the first phase of the Redline we cannot afford to rest on our oars, work still needs to be done at national and subnational levels. No room for complacency. I look forward to the completion of the other phases.
“I perceived massive economic opportunities coming out of this. I am assuring you that Nigeria will be out of economic problems. We just need to persevere, work hard and be assured. History of Lagos will remember all of us and will be kind to us.”
Earlier, Sanwo-Olu explained that the first phase of the project spanned 37 kilometres and shared the track of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) Lagos-Ibadan modernisation project from Ebute Metta to Agbado with stations at Oyingbo, Yaba, Mushin, Oshodi, Ikeja, Agege, and Iju.
According to him, phase one of the project would transport 250,000 passengers daily at inception and 750,000 passengers daily when fully operational.
“All the stations are live and ready to receive passengers,” Sanwo-Olu announced.
He declared, “Indeed, today’s event is the culmination of a long and painstaking journey of reforming the transportation sector in Lagos State.
“In the year 2003, you, Mr. President, established LAMATA to coordinate and oversee transport policies and programmes in Lagos State, and to deliver an intermodal, integrated transport system, one that would allow the seamless movement of people and fuel the economic growth of the state.
“I am proud to say that Lagos State has a Strategic Transport Master Plan (STMP) that outlines what that integrated rail system should look like: six rail lines, one monorail, 14 BRT corridors, over 20 water routes, and a vast network of major and inner roads.
“For the first time in the history of Lagos, we have a system comprising and integrating all three modes of transportation: road (through the BRT system), rail (through the Lagos Rail Mass Transit) and water (through our state-wide ferry system).
“Uniting them is our world-class digital payment platform, known as the Cowry Card. So far, we have issued 4.2 million of these cards.
“The first pillar of our administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S.+ governing agenda is Traffic Management and Transportation, and we have put in a lot of work to build on what our predecessors have done, and to continue delivering results for the people of Lagos State.
“Five BRT corridors are now in operation. The first phase of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line from Marina to Mile 2, wholly powered by electricity.
“We are currently negotiating and completing the financing arrangements for all these projects, and I am pleased to announce that we will break ground on the 4th Mainland Bridge in April 2024.
“All of these major projects I have outlined are in addition to the multitudes of inner roads, bridges, and junction improvements that we have completed and are completing.”
The governor said the transportation projects were making a huge difference in the daily lives of residents, as they commuted millions of residents.
He said, “Each project is a cornerstone in our unwavering commitment to forging a prosperous future for Lagos State and its esteemed citizens.
“Today, we mark a historic milestone in the annals of Lagos State and, indeed, our nation, with the commissioning of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line – a 37 kilometre marvel of modern engineering that stretches from Agbado in Ogun State to the iconic National Theatre in Iganmu.
“The segment we inaugurate today spans an impressive 27 kilometres from Agbado to Oyingbo, featuring state-of-the-art stations. At full capacity, this first phase of the Red Line will transport 250,000 passengers daily, which will grow to 750,000 passengers daily when we have the full complement of rolling stock on the line.
“The Red Line will share tracks with the Nigeria Railway Corporation’s (NRC’s) service from Lagos to Ibadan. This is not the end of the story, but merely the beginning. As I said earlier, we are on a long and exciting journey. Much has been accomplished, and there is still much ahead to be done.
“There will be a total of six lines on the Lagos Rail Mass Transit System, when fully developed. We have already started preliminary work on the next two: the Green and Purple Lines.”
The minister of transportation urged other state governments to emulate Lagos by replicating similar projects in their states to enhance economic growth across the country.
