The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has announced an increase in daily trips on the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue Line from 90 to 94, along with an earlier start time for weekday and Saturday operations, now beginning at 6:00 a.m. The revised timetable takes effect from Monday, 15 June, according to a statement issued on Monday by the agency's Head of Corporate Communications, Kolawole Ojelabi.
Improved Service and Reduced Waiting Time
Mr Ojelabi explained that the adjustment aims to enhance passenger convenience, reduce waiting times, and ease congestion as more commuters adopt the rail service. “Trains will now begin operations at 6:00 a.m. from Monday to Saturday, allowing commuters to travel earlier and avoid peak-hour traffic,” he noted. “The increase to 94 daily trips will further improve service efficiency and reduce platform congestion.”
Sunday services have also been increased from 22 to 24 trips, with trains operating at steady 30-minute intervals throughout the day. According to Mr Ojelabi, the upgrade reflects the growing patronage of the Blue Line since commercial operations began on 4 September 2023. The system has carried more than six million passengers to date.
Key Pillar of Urban Transport Reform
The Blue Line has become one of the key pillars of urban transport reform led by the Lagos State Government, as the state pushes to reduce traffic pressure on road networks and expand mass transit options. LAMATA had earlier disclosed that the line carried about 3.5 million passengers in 2025, with daily ridership continuing to grow.
Federal Government Plans Airport Rail Extension
This development coincides with the federal government's announcement of plans to extend the Lagos rail network to the Murtala Muhammed Airport, a move expected to improve connectivity to Nigeria's busiest aviation hub. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, speaking at the Invest Lagos 3.0 forum, explained that the proposed extension would link the rail line from Ikeja directly to the airport terminals.
Mr Keyamo stated that the rail link would pass through the General Aviation Terminal, extend to the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, before terminating at the international terminal. He noted that the project is part of efforts to improve access to the airport and strengthen the role of Lagos as a regional aviation hub.
Lagos Dominates Nigeria's Aviation Traffic
Mr Keyamo also revealed that Lagos accounts for about 67 per cent of passenger traffic in Nigeria's airports, describing the city as central to the country's aviation economy. He added that Lagos' geographic position gives it a natural advantage as a continental hub linking Africa with Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. Approximately $500 million is being invested in the reconstruction and modernisation of the Lagos international terminal to expand capacity and improve passenger experience.
The federal government has also expanded Nigeria's international airport network with the addition of Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo and Maiduguri International Airport, bringing the total to seven. Mr Keyamo urged investors to take advantage of opportunities in Nigeria's aviation sector, including a proposed airport project along the Lekki–Epe corridor.
If completed, the airport rail extension would create a direct rail connection between Lagos' rail network and its main aviation gateway, further linking road, rail, and air transport in the commercial capital.
