The Nigerian Ministry of Transportation has dismissed claims that it has approved a Lagos-Abuja high-speed bullet train project, calling reports of its imminent launch “false and misleading.”
In a statement issued in Abuja, the ministry refuted widely circulated online reports suggesting that the proposed rail line, which would cut travel time between the two cities from 12 hours to just two or three, had received government backing. It clarified that no formal approval had been granted.
The claim, initially attributed to Geofocus Consortium’s Director of Operations, Yinka Idris, was labeled as premature. The ministry explained that while Geofocus presented an unsolicited proposal in 2016 under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the project had not yet secured key approvals.
According to the ministry, the proposal’s Outline Business Case (OBC) was forwarded to the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) in 2024 for evaluation. However, the ICRC required proof of financing before proceeding further. To date, Geofocus has yet to provide the necessary documentation, meaning the project remains in limbo.
“The claim that feasibility studies have been completed and proof of funds secured is entirely inaccurate,” the statement read. “Until these conditions are met, no memo can be sent to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for consideration.”
While the government remains firm on denying any official approval, the broader question remains: What is Nigeria’s plan for high-speed rail? Bullet train technology has long been seen as a transformative solution for Nigeria’s congested and inefficient transportation network, yet tangible progress remains slow.
If the Transport Ministry is serious about modernizing the nation’s railway system, stakeholders argue, it should articulate a clear vision. This includes identifying viable funding models, expediting regulatory approvals for credible investors, and ensuring alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda for infrastructure development.
With Nigeria’s growing urban population and increasing intercity travel demand, the case for a high-speed rail network is stronger than ever. The Ministry of Transportation must go beyond simply refuting false claims and take a proactive stance in facilitating this long-overdue project. Nigerians deserve a roadmap for modern railway expansion—not just dismissals of ambitious proposals.
