Construct Benin–Lagos railway to ease traffic, Reps urge FG
Construct Benin–Lagos railway to ease traffic, Reps urge FG, as lawmakers in the House of Representatives called on the Federal Government to begin work on a new rail corridor linking the commercial hub of Lagos with Benin City in Edo State in order to tackle worsening traffic congestion and security risks along the busy highway connecting the two cities. 
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion during plenary on Wednesday after a presentation by Omosede Igbinedion, the lawmaker representing Ovia North-East/Ovia South-West Federal Constituency of Edo State. The session was presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. 
Lawmakers argued that construct Benin–Lagos railway to ease traffic, Reps urge FG should become a national infrastructure priority because the highway corridor linking the two cities has become overstretched, dangerous and economically inefficient.
Lawmakers cite traffic and insecurity
Moving the motion, Igbinedion said the Lagos–Benin highway is one of the busiest transportation corridors in southern Nigeria and carries a large volume of passengers, traders, agricultural goods and industrial cargo daily.
She warned that the road network is currently plagued by persistent traffic congestion, poor road conditions, kidnappings, armed robbery incidents and accidents, creating serious risks for commuters and businesses. 
According to her, the absence of a rail alternative has worsened the situation.
“The Lagos-Benin highway is currently overburdened and plagued by congestion and insecurity,” the lawmaker said while presenting the motion. 
That is why construct Benin–Lagos railway to ease traffic, Reps urge FG has become a recurring demand from lawmakers, transport unions and business groups across southern Nigeria.
Strategic economic corridor
The Lagos–Benin corridor serves as a crucial economic gateway linking the country’s largest commercial centre with the South-South and South-East regions.
Thousands of commuters, traders, transport operators and logistics companies rely on the route daily to move goods between major markets in Lagos, Edo, Delta, Anambra and Rivers states.
Lawmakers warned that the heavy reliance on road transport alone is putting enormous pressure on the corridor.
They said construct Benin–Lagos railway to ease traffic, Reps urge FG would create a safer and faster alternative for passengers while also improving the movement of goods across southern Nigeria.
In addition, they noted that rail infrastructure would significantly reduce travel time and logistical costs for businesses.
https://ogelenews.ng/construct-benin-lagos-railway-to-ease-traffic
Boosting regional trade and mobility
According to the House, developing a modern railway line between Lagos and Benin City would have far-reaching economic benefits.
Among the expected benefits are:
• reduced traffic congestion on the Lagos–Benin highway
• faster transportation of goods and agricultural produce
• improved passenger safety
• increased economic activity along the corridor
Lawmakers stressed that construct Benin–Lagos railway to ease traffic, Reps urge FG is not only a transportation project but also a strategic economic policy.
They said efficient rail connectivity would support regional trade, improve supply chains and strengthen Nigeria’s internal market integration.
Railway as part of Nigeria’s transport strategy
Nigeria has been gradually expanding its modern rail network as part of efforts to improve transportation infrastructure.
Recent rail projects include the Lagos–Ibadan standard-gauge railway, the Abuja–Kaduna rail line, and the Warri–Itakpe corridor, which have helped revive rail travel after decades of decline. 
The House of Representatives argued that extending rail infrastructure further into southern Nigeria through a Lagos–Benin line would complement these projects.
In this context, construct Benin–Lagos railway to ease traffic, Reps urge FG aligns with the Federal Government’s broader National Transport Master Plan, which aims to modernise rail transport across the country.
Security concerns along the corridor
Another reason lawmakers highlighted the need for the rail project is the rising security challenges on the Lagos–Benin highway.
Reports of kidnapping, armed robbery and violent attacks have created anxiety among travellers using the route.
The House warned that insecurity on the corridor is discouraging interstate travel and affecting economic activity in communities along the highway.
For this reason, construct Benin–Lagos railway to ease traffic, Reps urge FG has also been framed as a national security measure.
Lawmakers recommended that security infrastructure—including surveillance systems and railway police units—should be integrated into the design and operation of the proposed rail line.
A growing demand from stakeholders
Calls for a Lagos–Benin railway line have gained momentum in recent years as traffic congestion and road deterioration worsened along the corridor.
Transport operators, traders, business groups and state governments have repeatedly urged the Federal Government to develop alternative transport infrastructure.
Experts say the railway could significantly reduce pressure on the Lagos–Benin road while improving connectivity between major economic centres in southern Nigeria.
They also argue that modern rail systems are essential for supporting large-scale cargo movement and industrial development.
For these reasons, construct Benin–Lagos railway to ease traffic, Reps urge FG reflects a broader national conversation about infrastructure, economic growth and transportation reform.
What the House asked the government to do
After deliberation, lawmakers adopted the motion through a voice vote.
The House therefore 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 country’s transport master plan.
They also recommended that modern security measures and properly designed terminals be incorporated into the rail project to ensure passenger safety and operational efficiency.
With the adoption of the motion, construct Benin–Lagos railway to ease traffic, Reps urge FG has now become an official resolution of the House of Representatives.
Looking ahead
While the resolution does not automatically guarantee construction of the railway line, it adds political momentum to the demand for expanded rail infrastructure.
Infrastructure experts say Nigeria’s growing population and expanding economy will require multiple transportation alternatives, including rail, road and maritime networks.
If implemented, the proposed Lagos–Benin railway could become one of the most important transport projects in southern Nigeria.
For now, however, the key takeaway remains that construct Benin–Lagos railway to ease traffic, Reps urge FG represents the latest push by lawmakers to address congestion, insecurity and economic disruption along one of Nigeria’s busiest highways.
https://punchng.com/construct-benin-lagos-railway-to-ease-traffic-reps-urge-fg
