The Federal Government has announced plans to extend the existing rail network in Lagos to connect directly with the state’s airport terminals, a move aimed at improving transportation access and enhancing the travel experience for passengers.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed the proposed project on Monday while addressing participants at the Lagos Invest 3.0 Summit.
According to the minister, the rail extension project is being developed in collaboration with the Lagos State Government and is expected to provide seamless connectivity between key transport hubs and the state’s aviation facilities.
Keyamo explained that the planned rail line would run from the existing terminus at Ikeja Bus Stop and extend through major airport locations, including the General Aviation Terminal (GAT), the domestic terminal operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services, and the international wing of the airport.
“We are also planning to extend the rail line that ends at Ikeja bus stop.
”We are working with the Lagos State Government to extend that rail line all the way to the GAT, the local, all the way through Bi-Courtney and all the way to the international airport,” he said.
The minister revealed that preparations for the project were already at an advanced stage and expressed optimism that implementation would commence soon.
“That rail line is about to start. It’s the extension of the rail line, and we’re working with the Lagos State Government on that,” Keyamo added.
The proposed rail connection is expected to significantly ease movement within Lagos, particularly for air travellers who often face traffic congestion while commuting to and from the airport.
Speaking further at the summit, Keyamo praised the developmental strides recorded by Lagos State over the years and highlighted the role played by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in shaping the state’s growth trajectory.
He noted that Lagos had reached a stage where major infrastructure investments were necessary to support its expanding economy and growing population.
“So Lagos is just ready for the next big step. In terms of its aviation activities, it’s ready for the next big step,” the minister stated.
Keyamo also referenced the resolution of a long-standing dispute involving a private investor and airport operations in Lagos, describing it as one of the notable achievements of the current administration.
“Even a 20-year-old dispute that we had with a private investor in Lagos in terms of the airport in Lagos, a 20-year dispute that successive governments could not resolve, it was the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that brought that dispute to an end,” he added.
The proposed rail extension forms part of broader efforts by government authorities to modernise transportation infrastructure, improve connectivity and support economic activities within Nigeria’s commercial capital.
If completed, the project is expected to enhance accessibility to the airport, reduce dependence on road transport and contribute to the development of a more integrated and efficient transportation network in Lagos.
