The Federal Government plans to develop a high-speed rail corridor linking Lagos with Maiduguri, Borno State, with trains expected to reach speeds of up to 360 kilometres per hour.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Olufunso Adebiyi, disclosed this on Monday, August 31, 2026, at the opening of the 19th National Council on Transportation in Abuja.
The four-day council, themed “Developing an Effective Transport System for Nigeria: The Role of Integrated Transportation,” is focused on strengthening the country’s transport network.
Adebiyi said the proposed corridor was part of efforts to reduce dependence on roads by expanding rail, maritime and air transportation.
He described the railway sector as undergoing a “rebirth”, citing the Port Harcourt-Aba, Warri-Itakpe, Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Kaduna corridors as operational.
He said the Kaduna-Zaria-Kano line was nearing completion and expected to open by December, while work continued on the Kaduna-Daura-Katsina and Kano-Dutse routes. The Katsina-Jibia-Maradi link is targeted for completion next year.
The government is also promoting rail freight and expanding dry ports to move more cargo off highways, reduce heavy-truck traffic, ease congestion and protect road infrastructure.
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Light rail projects have been approved for Lagos and Kano, with plans to extend similar systems to other state capitals.
Adebiyi also disclosed that the Federal Executive Council had approved a Smart National Transport Data Bank to centralise records on drivers, vehicles, number plates and transport operators.
Standardised passenger manifests at motor parks will capture vehicle, driver, passenger and destination details, helping authorities identify crash victims and enforce traffic regulations.
The government has also approved six standardized bus terminals as a pilot scheme, with facilities including passenger waiting areas, police posts, vehicle inspection bays and mechanic workshops. Operators will be required to meet prescribed safety standards.
On maritime transport, Adebiyi said port reconstruction and automation were ongoing to improve cargo handling, reduce congestion and lower costs.
He said about 9,000 youths were engaged across two major transport projects, while the Federal University of Transportation would support efforts to develop specialized manpower.
Adebiyi said the government’s wider goal was to integrate road, rail, air and water transport to improve connectivity, reduce logistics costs, enhance safety and boost productivity.