FG plans 360km/h high-speed rail link from Lagos to Maiduguri

The Federal Government has announced plans to develop a high-speed rail line linking Lagos to Maiduguri, with trains expected to operate at speeds of up to 360 kilometres per hour.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Olufunso Adebiyi, disclosed this on Monday at the 19th National Council on Transportation in Abuja.

Adebiyi said the proposed rail corridor was part of broader efforts by the government to develop an integrated transportation system that would provide Nigerians with more options for moving people and goods across the country.

He said the government was working to expand rail infrastructure while improving connections between road, rail, air and water transportation.

According to him, plans are also underway to complete the Kaduna-Zaria-Kano standard gauge railway by December 2026.

He noted that some rail corridors, including Lagos-Ibadan and Port Harcourt-Aba, are already operational, while other projects are at various stages of development.

Adebiyi said the proposed high-speed rail network would improve connectivity between major cities, facilitate movement and support economic activities along the corridor.

He also disclosed that light rail projects had been approved for Lagos and Kano, with plans to extend similar systems to other state capitals.

The Permanent Secretary said the government was also working on other transport initiatives, including a Smart National Transport Data Bank and the development of standardised bus terminals in selected locations.

He said the various projects were aimed at creating a more coordinated transportation system and giving Nigerians greater choice in how they travel across the country.

The government is yet to disclose the full cost, construction timeline and financing arrangements for the proposed Lagos-Maiduguri high-speed rail project.