On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Hon. Omosede Igbinedion moved a motion in the House of Representatives on the need to initiate the construction of a modern railway corridor connecting Benin City and Lagos. The resolution aims to modernize Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure, catalyze economic growth, and address the persistent security challenges along one of the nation’s most vital transit routes.
The call followed the adoption of a motion highlighting the strategic importance of the Benin-Lagos axis. Lawmakers noted that while both cities serve as critical economic hubs with high daily volumes of commuters and commercial goods, the existing highway infrastructure is currently overburdened and deteriorating.
By providing a reliable and cost-effective alternative to road transport, the railway is expected to significantly lower the cost of moving agricultural produce and manufactured goods, boosting regional trade between the South-South and South-West zones.
A dedicated rail line would offer a safer travel alternative, reducing the high rate of road accidents and mitigating the risks of kidnapping and armed robbery frequently reported along the Benin-Ore-Lagos highway.
Shifting heavy cargo from roads to rail will alleviate the pressure on the national highway network, extending the lifespan of the recently rehabilitated road corridors and reducing long-term maintenance costs.
The project is envisioned as a critical link in the national railway master plan, fostering better connectivity between the industrial centers of Lagos and the gateway cities of the Niger Delta.
During the plenary session, proponents of the motion emphasized that the current reliance on road transportation is unsustainable for the volume of traffic the route handles. They argued that a modern rail system is a mechanical necessity for a 21st-century economy seeking to improve supply chain efficiency and protect the lives of its citizens.
The House has mandated its Committee on Land Transport to interface with the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to evaluate the feasibility of the project and ensure its inclusion in future national infrastructure budgets.
The legislative body also urged the executive branch to explore Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) as a viable funding model to expedite the commencement and completion of the railway corridor.
