Lagos Govt Partners First Metro on Red Rail Line Protection

Segun James

Following the unfortunate March 9, 2023, train and BRT collision at PWD rail station, Ikeja, which left eight people dead and 85 others critically injured, the Lagos State Government through its emergency management agency, LASEMA, has entered into a partnership with First Metrol Infrastructure Limited (FMIL) to implement safety policy along the new Red Rail Line corridor in the State. 

As a proactive measure to prevent a recurrence, the government has stated that the collaboration with FMIL became necessary in view of the need to boost safety measures and improve emergency management along the Red Rail Line for the safety of the residents and the commuting public. 
The Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations Hon. Gbenga Oyerinde, disclosed this at the 2024 Ministerial Press Briefing to commemorate the first year, second term in Office of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s administration in the State.

Oyerinde, stated that the new partnership which would focus primarily on enhancing safety measures along the Red Rail Line was a further demonstration of the State Government’s genuine commitment to the safety and well-being of both the residents and the commuting public. 

The Commissioner, while regretting the incident of March 9, 2023, involving the train and BRT collision at PWD, submitted that the avoidable accident was caused by the BRT driver who attempted to beat the train traffic signal and engaged in reckless driving and eventually collided with the moving train. He noted that the new collaboration with FMIL would help to prevent a recurrence of such disaster along the red rail corridor, urging people to be more conscious of safety in all their activities, especially along railway lines. 

Commending the Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu led administration for prioritising the safety of lives and property of Lagsians by investing highly in safety and security architecture and emergency apparatus, Oyerinde noted that the gesture was a demonstration of the State Government’s commitment to the Government and Security Pillar of T.H.E.M.ES Plus development agenda. He added that the State Government’s success story on safety and emergency had made the State a model for measuring excellence in emergency management across the country. 

Oyerinde, who disclosed that the administration in the last five years had procured a total of 62 Fire Fighting Trucks for the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service to strengthen firefighting operations in the State, also revealed that three additional fire stations are about to be completed at Ijegun-Egba, Satellite town in Amuwo Odofin LG area and Ijede, in Ijede LCDA.

In addition, the Commissioner averred that LASEMA, in the last five years of Sanwo-Olu’s administration in the State, had effectively handled a total of 6,887 emergencies while between January and April 2024 alone, the agency had responded to a total of 1,906 incidents, demonstrating the agency’s commitment to emergency management and public safety.

According to him, the Ministry, as part of its mandate, has actively fostered partnerships with federal, State, and local government agencies, as well as esteemed private sector entities and non-governmental organisations, to address pressing societal needs and foster inclusive development across the State.