FG Launches Major Rail and Transport Projects in Nigeria

On Monday in Abuja, the federal government of Nigeria unveiled significant projects to transform the transport sector, as presented by Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, during the 19th National Council on Transportation. The government aims to reduce reliance on road transport by focusing on rail, water, and air alternatives.

Adebiyi highlighted completed railway corridors, including Port Harcourt–Aba, Warri–Itakpe, Lagos–Ibadan, and Abuja–Kaduna, and noted that the Kaduna–Zaria–Kano line is expected to open by December. The government is also promoting rail freight to alleviate highway congestion, exemplified by a recent train transporting 33 containers from the port to Ibadan Dry Port.

Additionally, a Smart National Transport Data Bank has been approved to create a central database for drivers and vehicles. Six standardized bus terminals will be established nationwide, featuring uniform standards and safety regulations.

Plans for a high-speed rail line from Lagos to Maiduguri are also underway.