Nigeria’s House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to begin work on a railway line linking Benin City and Lagos, citing worsening traffic congestion and security challenges along the busy highway connecting both cities.
The resolution followed a motion presented during plenary by lawmaker Omosede Igbinedion, who represents the Ovia North-East/Ovia South-West constituency in Edo State. The session was presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
While presenting the motion, Igbinedion highlighted the importance of Lagos and Benin City as major commercial and population centres, noting that thousands of people and goods travel between them daily. She explained that the Lagos–Benin highway has become overstretched and increasingly dangerous for motorists and passengers.
According to her, the road currently faces severe congestion, deterioration and rising cases of kidnapping, armed robbery and accidents. She warned that relying solely on the highway for transportation is putting pressure on the economy and disrupting supply chains.
The lawmaker argued that establishing a modern railway service along the corridor would offer a safer and more efficient alternative for commuters and businesses. She added that such a project would reduce pressure on the road network while supporting regional economic growth.
Igbinedion also expressed concern that insecurity along the route discourages interstate travel and commercial activity, particularly affecting traders, farmers, students and other frequent travellers.
She emphasised that investing in rail infrastructure along the corridor would not only boost economic development but also enhance national security in a high-traffic region.
After deliberation, lawmakers overwhelmingly approved the motion through a voice vote. The House subsequently urged the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Railway Corporation, to prioritise the Benin–Lagos rail project under the National Transport Master Plan.
The lawmakers also recommended that the proposed railway system incorporate strong security measures, including surveillance technology, dedicated railway police units and well-secured terminals.
Calls for a rail connection between Lagos and Benin City have intensified in recent years as congestion and security concerns worsen along the Benin–Ore–Lagos highway, one of Nigeria’s busiest transport routes. The corridor serves as a critical link between Lagos and the South-South and South-East regions, carrying thousands of passengers, traders and cargo vehicles every day.
Stakeholders believe that extending modern rail infrastructure to Edo State would significantly reduce travel time, improve the movement of goods and agricultural produce, and ease the pressure on road transport.
The proposal also aligns with broader national efforts to expand Nigeria’s rail network beyond existing standard-gauge lines such as Abuja–Kaduna, Lagos–Ibadan, and Warri–Itakpe, as part of plans to modernise transportation and strengthen regional trade.