The Federal Government has announced plans to develop a high-speed rail corridor 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 in Abuja at the opening of the 19th National Council on Transportation.
Adebiyi said the proposed rail line forms part of the Federal Government’s broader plan to develop an integrated transportation system and reduce the country’s dependence on road transport.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at giving Nigerians greater choice between road, rail, air and water transportation while improving the movement of people and goods across the country.
He described the ongoing expansion and rehabilitation of the railway network as part of the government’s efforts to revive the sector and ease pressure on major roads, particularly from heavy duty vehicles.
The proposed Lagos to Maiduguri corridor would connect Nigeria’s commercial hub in the South West with Maiduguri in the North East and could significantly reduce travel time between major cities along the route.
Adebiyi also disclosed plans for a Smart National Transport Data Bank and six standardised bus terminals across the country. He said light rail projects were also being pursued in Lagos and Kano.
Meanwhile, the government said the Kaduna-Zaria-Kano rail line was nearing completion and was expected to commence operations by December, while work continues on other rail corridors, including Kaduna-Daura-Katsina, Katsina-Jibia-Maradi and Kano-Dutse.Â
However, the Federal Government has, yet to announce the construction timeline, project cost or completion date for the proposed 360km/h Lagos to Maiduguri high speed rail line.
By Musekir Faisat OmolaraÂ
