Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Southwest Nigeria has completed the purchase of two trains originally intended for a high-speed rail line to connect Madison and Milwaukee in the United States.
Gatekeepers News reports that Sanwo-Olu was in Milwaukee on Tuesday to purchase the unused trains and was welcomed by the city’s acting Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson at a public event at the factory of Spanish train manufacturer Talgo.
“It’s a little bittersweet,” Johnson said after the event. “I’m sending my congratulations to the governor in Lagos State in Nigeria, but also a little disappointed that we missed out on the opportunity to have those trainsets operating here in Milwaukee and in Wisconsin.”
In 2009, Wisconsin’s then-Gov. Jim Doyle, a Democrat, announced a deal with Talgo for two new trains to be built in the state and used for a high-speed rail line between Milwaukee and Madison.
According to a statement, “The Red Line, a 37 km track with 11 stations, will be the first operational metro system in West Africa.”
“Construction of the Red Line was originally approved in 2008; However, the project was delayed by a previous administration.
“With a population of 27 million Lagos is the most densely populated city in Africa. It is estimated by 2025 Lagos will be one of the five most populous cities in the world.
“Lagos currently suffers from a congested transport system with limited rail transport and a developing road network with nerve-wracking traffic.
“There are approximately 6 million individuals with daily transportation needs. In light of this, Sanwo-Olu has committed to bringing the Red Line project to fruition during his administration.
“More specifically, the governor expects operation of the first phase of the Red Line to begin by the last quarter of 2022 with a capacity of 500,000 passengers daily.
“Upon completion of the second phase, the Red Line will serve Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
“The purchase of rail equipment built by Talgo with Milwaukee qualified workers opens the door to future orders and job creation.”
