NigComSat seeks partnership with LAMATA to boost internet connectivity on Lagos rail transit
By Sodiq Adelakun
In a bid to revolutionise the commuting experience for passengers using the Lagos rail transit system, the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat) is exploring a potential collaboration with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) to enhance internet connectivity.
The Managing Director of Nigcomsat, Mrs. Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, spearheaded the initiative, leading the organization’s Lagos regional business office on a strategic visit to LAMATA.
According to a statement released by LAMATA on its official communication platform, the proposed collaboration would see Nigcomsat offering a suite of services designed to enrich the commuting journey.
These services include robust internet connectivity, onboard e-commerce functionalities, and wireless entertainment options, all made possible by leveraging Nigcomsat’s advanced satellite technology.
Meanwhile, Nigcomsat and LAMATA are working in a new era of convenience and connectivity for passengers navigating Lagos.
“Today, Managing Director of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (Nigcomsat), Mrs. Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, led the organization’s Lagos regional business office on a visit to the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).
“The purpose of the visit is to explore potential partnership opportunities that could leverage Nigcomsat’s satellite technology to improve internet connectivity on the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) train system.
“(Nigcomsat) is seeking opportunity in the provision of in-flight services ranging from internet connectivity, on board e-commerce and wireless entertainment utilizing Satellite,” the statement read in part .
The Lagos rail network, known as the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) system, currently comprises the Red and Blue Lines. Both lines have completed their first phases, with work ongoing on in their respective final phases.
The Blue Line is a 27km rail line, with 13km of the first phase completed with commercial operations having started in September 2023. The second phase of the Blue Line is currently under construction.
The Red Line is a 37km rail line, with the first phase spanning 27km from Agbado in Ogun State to Oyingbo in Lagos, completed. President Bola Tinubu commissioned the first phase of the Red Line on February 29. However, commercial operations have not yet begun. During the commissioning of the first phase, LAMATA and CCECC, the project contractor, signed an agreement for the commencement of the second phase.
Lagos State has also unveiled ambitious plans to expand its rail network with the construction of the Green and Purple Lines, marking significant milestones in the development of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) system.
In addition to the Green and Purple Lines, the Lagos State government has outlined future inclusion of the Orange and Yellow Lines, further bolstering the comprehensive rail infrastructure. With these additions, the total number of rail lines under the LRMT system will increase to six, underscoring the commitment to modernise transportation and ease congestion in Lagos.
