The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has authorized a $45.3 million contract for the feasibility study and engineering design of a railway route aiming to connect four major seaports in the South West: Badagry Deep Sea Port, Tin Can Seaport, Apapa Seaport, and Lekki Seaport, to the hinterlands.
During an appearance on the Global Business Report on Arise News, the Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, provided details on the initiative.
Alkali noted that the planned rail link will extend from Badagry Deep Sea Port to the other three ports, before continuing to Ijebu-Ode and Kajola, where it will integrate with the Lagos-Kano-Maradi Railway Modernisation Project. This effort aims to connect the western seaports to the national rail network, enhancing freight transportation and stimulating economic growth.
“The FEC has approved detailed feasibility studies and the engineering design for the proposed rail alignment from Badagry Deep Sea Port to Tin Can Seaport, then from Tin Can to Apapa Seaport, from Apapa Seaport to Lekki Seaport, and on to Ijebu-Ode and Kajola, where it will link up with the Lagos-Kano-Maradi Railway Modernisation Project. This project is intended to connect the western ports with inland cities,” Alkali explained. “The contract is set at $45.3 million.”
The minister pointed out that currently, only Apapa Port has rail connectivity, with a standard gauge track serving the APMT Terminal for freight transportation between Lagos and Ibadan. Additionally, a rehabilitated narrow-gauge railway is in operation for cargo movement between Lagos and Kano.
Alkali underscored that establishing rail links for all four western seaports to the hinterlands will significantly enhance Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth and stimulate overall economic activity.
