Today, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) conducted a crucial scoping workshop for the state-backed Green Line rail project and unveiled the alignment of the 68-kilometer rail route to the public.
This event marks a significant step in the preparation for the project’s implementation, as it initiates the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Resettlement Policy Framework processes.
Key stakeholders attended the workshop, including a representative of the Minister for the Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, the Director of Acquisition, Revocation and Compensation Matters, Mr. Wale Ojutiku, the Deputy Director of Land Resources, Mr. Dapo Ogunlewe, and representatives from the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources. Traditional chiefs and security officials were also present, alongside Mr. Daniel Soderstrom, a Swedfund Advisor on Social and Impact Assessment, representing the ESIA funders.
The Honorable Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, informed that the government planned to complete the entire project rather than in phases.
He appealed to property owners to regularize their building approval documents and warned that failure to do so may be dire.
Representing the Managing Director of LAMATA, Engr. Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, Technical Adviser for Rail Transport, Engr. Olasunkanmi Okusaga underscored the vital role the Green Line project will play in improving transportation for Lagos residents. He assured the audience that individuals affected by the project would be duly compensated and that local communities would benefit from employment opportunities during the construction phase.
Community leaders in attendance voiced their strong support for the Green Line, highlighting its potential to foster transit-oriented development and alleviate traffic congestion on the Lekki-Epe Expressway. They also emphasized the importance of effective traffic management and the development of alternative routes during the construction period, as well as maintaining clear communication channels with the public.
Other notable attendees included representatives from the Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholders Association (LERSA), the Victoria Island and Iru Residents Association (VIIRA), and traditional chiefs from Eti-Osa, Awoyaya, Alasia, Iranla, and other affected communities demonstrating the broad interest and anticipated impact of the Green Line rail project across various communities in Lagos.
ESIA consultants Sectec-Greenstad Consulting Limited, led by Dr. Mariame Mboup Fall, and project contractors China Harbour Engineering Company Limited were also present.
