ALMOST EXACTLY 26 years ago, a decision was taken to build a light rail network in Lagos (RG 2.78 p47). Fast forward 25 years to December 2003, when a function was held to launch the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, and State Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced that a US$135m mass transit project is finally to go ahead.

The proposed line would run at ground level along the road median strip between Oworonsoki, Mile 2 and Badagry. The scheme is to be carried out in accordance with World Bank procedures, but unfortunately no timescale was specified.

'Huge construction and massive contracts' will not be seen immediately, Governor Tinubu warned. Apparently the last 25 years 'have served to create an external debt profile' which the administration is still dealing with.