President Bola Tinubu on Thursday inaugurated the Red Rail Line in Lagos with a declaration that Nigerians deserve access to efficient multiple modes of transportation.
The 37km intra-state rail line is the second rail projects to be inaugurated by the Lagos State Government in less than one year. The first, Lagos Blue Rail Line, was commissioned by former President Muhammadu Buhari in the twilight of his administration last year.
Tinubu, speaking at the inauguration on Thursday, said, “Nigerians must be able to enjoy access to multiple alternative modes of transportation all of which are safe, efficient and affordable.
“The nation’s transportation minister is here. It is very critical for your ministry to collaborate further with subnational government, to help build a Nigeria for the greatest number of people.”
He recalled how the railway project started while he was Lagos State governor.
He said, “Twenty-five years ago, I was elected to lead Nigeria’s most populous state, the smallest in land mass, when all that existed here was suppressed and aborted potential and when the dream began, my team and I toiled day and night to craft and implement a developmental vision that would transform Lagos into the economic power house of Africa and a respected mega city on a global state. We are releasing that dream.
“I’m pleased to declare to you that the moment of greatness we kick-started a quarter of century ago has since become unstoppable.”
The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the nation’s infrastructural development.
President Tinubu also spoke on his government’s battle with corruption, admitting that while the administration was making efforts to fight corruption, the scourge would fight back.
He said, “We said we can do it, you believed in us. We said the people’s lives will end up being better, you believed in us. I could hear a lot of voices right now, I asked for this job, I cannot complain, it’s all about democracy.
“I agree smugglers will fight back, corruption will fight back. We will fight them to ruin. Corruption will go away, save the money for you to educate our children, to pay for the healthcare system of our people, to pay for the modern transportation system that works for highest number of people, not those few smugglers.”
