The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has refuted viral claims alleging that the Marina Train Station of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line was constructed for just ₦1.2 billion.
In an official press release signed by the agency’s Head of Corporate Communication, Kolawole Ojelabi, LAMATA described the report circulating online as inaccurate and misleading. The agency clarified that the ₦1.2 billion figure referenced only the cost of one station component and not the total cost of the Marina station or the entire rail project.
According to LAMATA, the first phase of the 27-kilometre Blue Line rail project, stretching from Marina to Okokomaiko, cost approximately $1.17 billion. The authority also noted that the second phase of the project is still under construction and is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2027.
The clarification followed a viral video by Lateefat Mayaki, which claimed that the Marina station was delivered at a significantly lower cost than publicly believed. LAMATA stated that the content creator proceeded to publish additional inaccurate figures despite earlier clarifications issued by the agency.
Citing provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, LAMATA warned against the deliberate spread of false information online, noting that offenders risk penalties including imprisonment, fines, or both.
The agency further highlighted its commitment to local capacity development, revealing that Nigerian engineers and professionals account for over 90 percent of the Blue Line workforce, while foreign specialists are being reduced as local expertise grows.
LAMATA reaffirmed that routine maintenance and operational checks are carried out daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly to ensure passenger safety and efficient rail operations across the state.
