The first phase of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line project in Nigeria, the first electrified light rail in West Africa, started operation on Jan 24, 2023. Built by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), a subsidiary of China Railway Construction Corporation Limited, the light rail is a flagship livelihood project under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. With a total length of 27 kilometers, the LRMT Blue Line is the first cross-sea railway system in Africa and has 11 stations. The first phase of the project is 13 kilometers.It is expected to relieve traffic pressure in Lagos and shorten the average commuting time within affected areas to 20 minutes. It will significantly change the travel mode of local residents and boost economic exchanges and transportation development in the region. In addition, the LRMT Blue Line will help Lagos evolve into a more prosperous, modern and competitive city, benefit local people and promote cooperation between China and Nigeria. (....)