FG Set to Launch the Lagos-Abuja Super Highway and High-Speed Train Project by February 2025
Unless there are last-minute changes, the Federal Government of Nigeria is preparing to officially commence the Lagos-Abuja Super Highway and High-Speed Train Project, tentatively scheduled to begin in February 2025. This ambitious initiative is aimed at significantly enhancing the country's transportation infrastructure, which is a critical priority for the administration.
During a recent media interaction in Ibadan, Engineer Mutiu Yinka Idris, the Director of Operations at AEC-Geofocus, a consortium of engineers, planners, and investors overseeing the project, shared some exciting details. He revealed that the total estimated cost of the project is approximately $16 billion, making it one of the most significant infrastructure undertakings in Nigeria's history. The project spans an impressive 500 kilometers, connecting key states including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Engineer Idris elaborated on the project’s scope, stating that it will employ a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Maintain (DBFOM) model to ensure efficient execution and sustainability. This innovative approach aims to streamline processes and enhance accountability throughout the project's lifecycle. The high-speed train component of the project will feature a dual-gauge rail line designed to accommodate speeds of up to 250 km/h. It will include major stations in Lagos and Abuja, along with 11 intermediate stops strategically located to serve residents in various regions along the route. This state-of-the-art rail system is expected to revolutionize travel in Nigeria, slashing the travel time between Lagos and Abuja to under three hours by rail, and reducing road travel time to less than five hours. In addition to the high-speed rail, the highway itself will be a remarkable infrastructure feat. It is planned to consist of eight lanes, two service lanes, and 13 tolling points to facilitate smooth traffic flow.
The project also envisions the establishment of 10 smart cities, the development of 1 million housing units, and the construction of an Independent Power Plant to support the infrastructure and improve energy access in the region. Engineer Idris emphasized the transformative potential of this project, describing it as a pivotal game-changer that aligns closely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for enhancing Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure. He expressed confidence that the economic prosperity of citizens will thrive as a result of these strategic initiatives, which are designed to uplift living standards under the current administration. He stated, “The citizens’ economic prosperity will undoubtedly flourish through these strategic initiatives aimed at improving living standards under President Tinubu’s administration.” This sentiment reflects a broader commitment to implementing policies that are both effective and beneficial for the Nigerian populace.
With a range of policies already in motion and more on the horizon, President Tinubu’s vision promises to bring about a positive and profound transformation in the lives of Nigerians. This project, along with other infrastructural improvements, is set to create a better and more connected Nigeria, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for millions of citizens. As the countdown to the project's commencement approaches, anticipation grows among stakeholders and residents alike. The Lagos-Abuja Super Highway and High-Speed Train Project is not just an infrastructure project; it represents a significant step towards modernizing Nigeria’s transportation network and promoting economic development across the nation. The government’s commitment to this ambitious initiative marks a crucial development in Nigeria’s journey toward becoming a more connected and prosperous country.
