Lawmakers Urge Federal Government to Construct Benin–Lagos Railway

The House of Representatives on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to begin work on the Benin–Lagos railway corridor to tackle rising insecurity and persistent traffic congestion along the busy road connecting the two cities.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion presented during plenary by Omosede Igbinedion, who represents Ovia North-East/Ovia South-West Federal Constituency in Edo State. The session was presided over by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas.

While presenting the motion, Igbinedion described Lagos and Benin City as major economic and population centres with significant daily movement of passengers, goods and agricultural produce between them.

She noted that the highway linking both cities has become overstretched and increasingly unsafe for commuters.

According to the lawmaker, the Lagos–Benin road is currently burdened by heavy traffic, deteriorating road conditions and growing incidents of armed robbery, kidnapping and accidents.

She warned that the lack of a rail alternative on the route places additional pressure on the economy, exposes travellers to danger, disrupts supply chains and limits regional connectivity.

Igbinedion argued that constructing a modern rail line between the two cities would offer a safer, faster and more dependable transport option for passengers and businesses, while also reducing the load on the road network.

She also raised concerns that insecurity along the corridor continues to discourage interstate travel and commercial activities, particularly affecting women, traders, students and farmers transporting agricultural produce.

The lawmaker added that developing rail infrastructure along the route would strengthen both economic growth and national security, describing the project as not only an economic investment but also a strategic security measure for high-traffic regions.

The motion received overwhelming support from lawmakers when it was put to a voice vote.

Following its adoption, the House called on the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Railway Corporation, to prioritise the Benin–Lagos rail corridor under the National Transport Master Plan.

Lawmakers also recommended that security features such as surveillance systems, railway police units and secure terminals be incorporated into the design and operation of the proposed railway project.

Calls for a rail link between Lagos and Benin City have intensified in recent years as traffic congestion and security challenges worsen along the Benin–Ore–Lagos highway, one of Nigeria’s busiest transport corridors.

The route serves as a critical gateway connecting the commercial hub of Lagos with the South-South and South-East regions, carrying thousands of passengers, traders and freight vehicles daily.

Frequent gridlock, deteriorating road conditions and recurring reports of kidnapping and armed robbery have prompted transport unions, business groups and state governments to demand an alternative mode of transportation.

Stakeholders argue that extending modern rail infrastructure from Lagos toward Edo State would significantly reduce pressure on the highway, shorten travel time and improve the movement of agricultural products and manufactured goods across southern Nigeria.

The proposal also aligns with ongoing efforts to expand Nigeria’s railway network beyond existing standard-gauge lines such as the Abuja–Kaduna railway, the Lagos–Ibadan railway and the Warri–Itakpe railway, part of broader plans to modernise the country’s transport system and boost regional trade.