REPS URGE FG TO COMMENCE BENIN–LAGOS RAILWAY PROJECT TO TACKLE INSECURITY, TRAFFIC
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The House of Representatives on Wednesday urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to commence construction of the Benin–Lagos railway corridor as part of efforts to address growing insecurity and persistent traffic congestion along the busy highway linking the two cities.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion moved during plenary by Omosede Igbinedion, who represents Ovia North-East/Ovia South-West Federal Constituency of Edo State. The session was presided over by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas.
Moving the motion, Igbinedion described Lagos and Benin City as major economic and population centres with heavy daily movement of people, goods and agricultural produce between them. She noted that the strategic highway connecting the two cities has become overstretched and increasingly unsafe for commuters.
The lawmaker expressed concern that insecurity along the corridor continues to discourage interstate travel and commercial activities.
“The insecurity along the route continues to discourage interstate travel and commercial activity, especially for women, traders, students and farmers transporting produce,” she said.
Igbinedion further argued that investment in rail infrastructure along the corridor would boost economic activities while strengthening national security.
“An investment in railway infrastructure is not only an economic strategy but also a national security imperative, especially in vulnerable and high-traffic regions,” she added.
The motion was overwhelmingly supported when it was put to a voice vote by lawmakers.
Following its adoption, the House urged the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Railway Corporation, to prioritise the development of the Benin–Lagos railway corridor under the National Transport Master Plan.
Lawmakers also recommended that security components such as surveillance systems, railway police units and secured terminals be integrated into the design and operation of the proposed railway infrastructure.
The call for a railway link between Lagos and Benin City has gained momentum in recent years amid worsening traffic conditions and rising security concerns along the Benin–Ore–Lagos highway, one of Nigeria’s busiest transport corridors.
The route serves as a major gateway between Lagos, the country’s commercial hub, and the South-South and South-East regions, carrying thousands of passengers, traders and haulage vehicles daily.
Persistent gridlock, road deterioration, and frequent reports of kidnappings and armed robbery have intensified calls from transport unions, business groups and state governments for an alternative mode of transportation.
Stakeholders have argued that extending modern rail infrastructure from Lagos to Edo State would significantly reduce pressure on the highway, shorten travel time and improve the movement of agricultural produce and manufactured goods across southern Nigeria.
The proposal also aligns with broader efforts to expand Nigeria’s rail network beyond existing standard-gauge lines such as the Abuja–Kaduna Railway, Lagos–Ibadan Railway and Warri–Itakpe Railway as part of initiatives to modernise the country’s transport system and boost regional trade.
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