The first section of the network, Phase I of the Blue Line, was originally planned to be completed in 2011, though the construction has suffered many delays caused by shortage of funds and change of government.

[12][13][14][15] The initial Metroline project was scrapped in 1985 by Muhammadu Buhari at a loss of over $78 million to the state tax payers.

[16] In 2003, the then-governor Bola Tinubu revived the rail network for Lagos State with a formal announcement of its construction.

[17] The initial cost $135 million was proposed for the greater Lagos Urban Transportation Project to be implemented by the newly formed LAMATA.

[17] LAMATA initially concentrated on developing a Bus Rapid Transit system, running from Mile 2 to Lagos Island.

The cars were to be refurbished in the United States and converted to standard gauge before being imported and put into service on the Blue and Red lines.

[18][19][20][21] In January 2015, LAMATA opted for Chinese-built trains instead, ordering 15 electro-diesel multiple units from CRRC Dalian with an option for 14 more.

[36] A ceremonial inauguration was held in February 2024,[3] but regular passenger service from Agbado to Oyingbo started only on October 15, 2024.