The Lagos State House of Assembly has passed two key bills for second reading aimed at establishing the Lagos State Railway Corporation and the IBILE Energy Corporation.
Speaker Mudashiru Obasa announced the progress during Tuesday’s plenary in Lagos after the lawmakers deliberated on the bills.
Obasa noted that the move followed the Fifth Alteration of the 1999 Constitution, which transferred Railways and Energy from the Exclusive to the Concurrent Legislative List, allowing states to legislate on these matters.
He noted that the amendment empowers states to legislate on these matters, allowing Lagos to take bold legislative steps.
The Speaker described the bills as vital to modernising infrastructure and enhancing the state’s economic strength.
“The first is the IBILE Energy Corporation Bill, 2025, to establish the IBILE Energy Corporation and for related purposes.
“The second bill seeks to establish the Lagos State Railway Corporation to improve rail transport in the state,” he explained.
Obasa said if passed, Lagos would become Nigeria’s first state to establish both a railway and an energy corporation.
He committed the Lagos State Railway Corporation Bill to the Committee on Transportation, directing a report in two weeks.
Similarly, the Energy Corporation Bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy with the same reporting timeline.
Leading the debate on the railway bill, Majority Leader, Noheem Adams, said the law would improve railway transport and address related needs.
Adams, who sponsored the bill, stated that the legislation marked a historic moment in Lagos State’s transport development.
He outlined the bill’s objectives, stating that Section 2 promotes reliable and efficient railway services across the state.
He said Section 4 establishes a Governing Board, with Sections 5 to 14 detailing its roles, powers, and responsibilities.
Adams added that the bill grants powers in planning, infrastructure, funding, and promotes accountability through proper audits.
“This bill aligns with global standards. With South Africa’s railway at 20,926 km and Nigeria’s at 3,798 km, Lagos must lead in innovative rail solutions,” he stressed.
Supporting the bill, Mr Abiodun Tobun described the legislation as impactful and far-reaching in its implications.
Tobun suggested the Commissioner for Transportation be included on the Board, with representation from all five state divisions.
Another lawmaker, Mr Stephen Ogundipe, commended the bills and noted the global shift towards privatisation and deregulation.
Ogundipe advised that public-private partnerships be considered to align with emerging international best practices
