Lagos Conducts Test-Runs on Red Line Rail as Proforce Partners with Kia, NCS Grants Import Waivers
The Lagos State Government, under the auspices of the Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), has initiated a series of test runs along the 37-km Red Line Rail in anticipation of its official commencement of operations in the first quarter (Q1) of 2024.
A video shared by LAMATA across its official social media platforms captures the deployment of one of the high-speed diesel-powered trains designated to serve the Lagos Red Line Rail Mass Transit project.
These test runs, alongside subsequent ones, aim to facilitate an assessment of operational readiness by LAMATA, enabling the identification and rectification of potential issues prior to the commencement of operations in the coming weeks.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has concluded the acquisition of additional trains to bolster the operations of both the Lagos Blue Line and Red Line, procured from the Chinese state-owned rolling stock manufacturer CRRC Dalian.
Governor Sanwo-Olu confirmed the finalization of train specifications and the completion of payments to Dalian. Additionally, he disclosed the confirmation of delivery dates from Dalian to Lagos.
On Monday, February 5th, 2024, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, presented the Service’s 2024 budget to the Nigeria Senate Committee on Customs at the National Assembly.
During the budget defense, the CG unveiled plans to grant waivers to vehicle importers, allowing them to pay import duties within a specified timeframe to avoid penalties. He also outlined strategies aimed at streamlining and standardizing Customs processes, addressing port congestion, intensifying anti-smuggling efforts, and fostering collaboration with other agencies to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.
PROFORCE Limited, a Nigerian-based specialist in armored vehicles, has formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kia Corp. at the World Defense Show 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Under this collaboration, Kia Corp, renowned globally for its military vehicle chassis manufacturing, will supply Proforce with drivelines for the production of military vehicles in Nigeria.
The signing of the MOU underscores Proforce’s commitment to delivering products of exceptional quality and performance, ensuring that its armored vehicles remain at the forefront of excellence. This partnership marks a significant milestone in Proforce’s efforts to provide unmatched quality in its products and services.
