The Lagos Red Line: Immortalising The Actors

By Muiz Banire SAN

The inauguration of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line by President Bola Tinubu on the notable date of February 29, 2024, is a monumental accomplishment for Lagos State and its populace. This event symbolizes the fruition of a vision that commenced decades ago, bringing to the fore the concerted efforts of a myriad of individuals and government bodies. The Red Line, alongside its predecessor, the Blue Line, embodies a significant leap forward in the State’s quest for a robust and sustainable mass transit system. I congratulate the Governor, the government and the people of Lagos State. The journey to this juncture has been long and intricate, marked by persistent endeavors and collaborative efforts across various administrations and stakeholders. Indubitably, they are iconic projects in the State.

The genesis of this transformative project can be traced back to circa 2001 when the Lagos Urban Transport project office was established under Ministry of Transportation with the aim of managing the transport system in the metropolitan Lagos and enhancing the efficiency of transport network and infrastructure. As the team leader of this initiative set up by the then Governor, now President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I, alongside my esteemed colleagues such as Mr. Wale Edun, then Commissioner for Finance, now Minister for Finance , the current Governor who was then the Special Adviser to the Governor and Dr. Olayemi Cardoso, then Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, now the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, embarked on a mission to lay the foundational stones for what would eventually evolve into the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) in the year 2002. This period was characterized by extensive research, planning and international engagements aimed at crafting a visionary blueprint for Lagos’s urban transit future. Under the guidance of then Governor Tinubu, with Dr. Dayo Mobereola stepping in as LAMATA’s inaugural chief executive, we undertook numerous global expeditions to garner insights and forge partnerships that would shape the trajectory of the LRMT project. All the while that the process was on, I remained the Chairman of the LAMATA Board.

Despite the ambitious groundwork laid during Tinubu’s tenure, the actual physical development of the rail routes awaited the commitment of subsequent administrations. The realization of the Blue Line was spearheaded by Governor Raji Fashola and brought to completion under the stewardship of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, marking the successful implementation of the first among the seven envisaged routes. The continuity and eventual success of the LRMT project were further bolstered by the contributions of figures such as the then Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, esteemed officials from Nigerian Railways who worked assiduously alongside one of my successors in the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, to process track access for the operation of the Redline and a succession of dedicated Lagos State Commissioners for Transportation in Lagos State. All these personalities deserve not only recognition but also commendation for their significant inputs into the project. The inauguration of the Red Line is a testament not only to the State’s infrastructural progress but also to the enduring spirit of collaboration and vision that has characterized this project from its inception.

However, it was with a sense of dismay that we noted the omission of a detailed historical account and acknowledgment of the pivotal figures behind this monumental project in the brochure distributed during the commissioning ceremony. This glaring oversight raises several pertinent questions about the rationale behind the exclusion of such critical information. Could this have been a mere oversight, a result of budgetary constraints, or perhaps an intentional act aimed at obscuring the full narrative and contributions of those instrumental in the project’s development? Or a simple case of missing record. This omission remains a mystery to me. I am still finding it difficult to fathom why the dramatis personae equally failed or neglected to correct this grave error. Ordinarily, this is a matter that I would ignore but for the imperative need to preserve institutional memory and set the record straight. In Nigeria, if you are not reckoned with and you believe you ought to, it is crucial that you assert yourself. It is also a strategic way of forestalling the distortion of facts. As Chinua Achebe referenced in his book, Things Fall Apart, “ the lizard that jumps from high iroko tree says if nobody praises it, it will praise itself”. This captures the essence of this conversation. Hence pardon me if this appears to be self-glorification. As remarked, this is one country in which if you fail to blow your trumpet, it will go rusty as nobody will blow it for you. Therefore, I have chosen to write my story personally so that I do not leave it to the distortion of others as what might be the bye-product may not be the semblance of my true story.

The absence of due recognition for the architects of the LRMT project not only diminishes the contributions of these key individuals but also poses a significant risk of distorting or erasing the legacy of their efforts. The documentation of such landmark projects is crucial for preserving institutional memory and ensuring that accurate historical records are passed down to future generations. The erasure of history from our curriculum is a reflection of how much we reverence history and this plays out not only in our academic institutions but also in our daily life as a people. This has occasioned an inch-deep understanding of the past on our youths who make all manner of dangerous conclusions and projections about the nation which can only be products of uninformed minds as a result of lack of knowledge of the past.Moreover, the treatment of former state officials and key contributors during the commissioning event was a matter of concern. The apparent lack of acknowledgment and respect for those who have served the State, especially at the cabinet level, reflects a disregard for the tradition of honoring public service and contributions to state development. The differential treatment meted out to former commissioners and officials, particularly those who played significant roles in the early phases of the LRMT project, underscores a need for a more inclusive and respectful approach to recognizing public service.As we celebrate the commissioning of the Red Line, it is imperative to reflect on the essence of acknowledgment and appreciation for the collective efforts that have brought this vision to reality. The journey of the LRMT project is a narrative of perseverance, collaboration, and visionary leadership that spans multiple administrations and a wide array of dedicated individuals as acknowledged by Governor Sanwoolu. Ensuring that this narrative is accurately captured and celebrated is essential for honoring the legacy of those who have contributed to Lagos State’s development.

In the spirit of rectifying the omission noted in the commissioning ceremony’s brochure, it is crucial to document and highlight the contributions of all individuals involved in the LRMT project’s journey. From the early visionaries, who conceived the idea, to the engineers, planners, financial partners, and government officials who brought it to fruition, each played a vital role in the project’s success. Recognizing these contributions not only honors the individuals involved but also serves as an inspiration for future generations to build upon these achievements. It is also a promise to both present and future public officials that the “labour of our heroes past shall not be in vain”.

Furthermore, the treatment of former state officials and contributors at official functions should reflect the respect and appreciation due for their service to the state. Public service, especially at the level of shaping a state’s infrastructure and development, is a noble endeavor that warrants recognition and respect. Ensuring that former officials are treated with the dignity they deserve at state functions is not only a matter of courtesy but also a reflection of a society’s values regarding service and contribution. I am not persuaded by any feigned and lame excuse of the federal interference with the arrangement. That was not the first event attended by Presidents that we have witnessed and it certainly cannot be an exception. If anything, for the singular fact that the current President is part of us, we ought to enjoy more liberality. It will be saddening if the State cannot assert itself in the scheme of arrangement and give honour to those that are due. I indeed believe it is a disservice to the President also to be deprived of the rapport with his natural constituents. The state must never allow her programs b to be dictated and overridden by overzealous security officials. Should this kind of attitude continue, it is not likely that state functions will be graced by elder statesmen. Let me remind us of the proverbial saying that he who chose to bury his elder brother in a shallow grave in the midst of the family, is not really disrespecting the corpse but only demonstrating how he too should be buried upon his demise. By so doing, those responsible for ineptitude are not only disrespecting those that have served the state earlier but only showing the way they should be treated equally outside office. Another lesson derived from the above development is the fact that positions are temporary. A recent quote of an anonymous writer that I stumbled on while browsing on social media preaches the transience of office. It says: “Position is a visitor; a stranger; a little evil.

All these will disappear within the blink of an eye. Don’t let it get into your head whenever you hold a position. Position is not power! Power belongs to God Almighty the creator of this universe.” We must all then render selfless service while in office as what will remain is the bubble that fades into forgetfulness after a little while most especially in a society lacking in institutional record preservation like ours. To my mind, the recent event under review is a demonstration of the Yoruba saying that a kii yago fun eleshin ana which literally means no one clears the road for a former horse rider or equestrian. The present occupiers too must be reminded that ‘office lo n reyin akowe’ as the office remains constant after the occupier. No dynasty lasts forever. Whatever has a commencement date, must surely have an end. All the present occupants of public office will tomorrow form part of history. Therefore, e se aiye re o!. Let us do what is right while in office. The summation of the above is that the commissioning of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Red Line is a landmark achievement that reflects the culmination of years of dedicated effort, visionary planning, and collaborative work across various sectors and administrations. As we commemorate this achievement, let us also take a moment to ensure that the contributions of all those who played a part in this journey are duly recognized and celebrated. Documenting and honoring the legacy of these contributions is not only essential for preserving institutional memory but also for inspiring future generations to continue the work of building sustainable and transformative infrastructure for the benefit of all Lagosians.