Fatimah Otunsanya
The House of Representatives on Wednesday called on the Federal Government to commence the construction of the Benin–Lagos railway corridor as part of efforts to address the growing insecurity and traffic congestion along the busy highway linking the two cities.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion moved at plenary by the member representing Ovia North-East/Ovia South-West Federal Constituency of Edo State, Omosede Igbinedion. The session was presided over by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas.
Moving the motion, Igbinedion described Lagos and Benin City as major economic and population centres with heavy daily movement of people, goods and agricultural produce between them.
She noted that the strategic highway linking the two cities has become overstretched and increasingly unsafe for commuters.
She said, “The Lagos-Benin highway is currently overburdened, plagued by traffic congestion, dilapidation and rising incidents of armed robbery, kidnapping and accidents.
“We are concerned that the absence of a railway alternative on this critical route puts strain on the national economy, endangers lives, delays supply chains and stifles regional integration.
“We note that developing a modern railway line between Benin and Lagos will provide a safer, faster and more reliable alternative for commuters and businesses, while also reducing pressure on the road network.”
The lawmaker further expressed concern that insecurity along the corridor continues to discourage interstate travel and commercial activity.
She stated, “The insecurity along the route continues to discourage interstate travel and commercial activity, especially for women, traders, students and farmers transporting produce.”
She added that investment in rail infrastructure along the corridor would enhance both economic activity and national security.
“An investment in railway infrastructure is not only an economic strategy but also a national security imperative, especially in vulnerable and high-traffic regions,” she argued.
When the motion was put to a voice vote, lawmakers overwhelmingly supported it.
Following its adoption, the House urged the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Railway Corporation, to prioritise the development of the Benin–Lagos railway corridor under the National Transport Master Plan.
The lawmakers also recommended that security components, including surveillance systems, railway police units and secured terminals, be incorporated into the design and operation of the proposed railway infrastructure.
The call for a railway link between Lagos and Benin City has gained traction in recent years amid worsening traffic conditions and rising security concerns along the Benin–Ore–Lagos highway, one of Nigeria’s busiest transport corridors.
The route serves as a major gateway between the commercial hub of Lagos and the South-South and South-East regions, carrying thousands of passengers, traders and haulage vehicles daily.
Persistent gridlock, road deterioration and frequent reports of kidnappings and armed robbery have fuelled demands from transport unions, business groups and state governments for an alternative mode of transportation.
Stakeholders have argued that extending modern rail infrastructure from Lagos toward Edo State would significantly ease pressure on the highway, reduce travel time and improve the movement of agricultural produce and manufactured goods across southern Nigeria.
The demand has also been linked to the broader push to expand Nigeria’s rail network beyond existing standard-gauge lines connecting Abuja–Kaduna, Lagos–Ibadan and Warri–Itakpe, as part of efforts to modernise the country’s transport system and boost regional trade.
