FG, Lagos Partner on Rail Extension to Airport Terminals, Says Keyamo

LAGOS, Nigeria — The Federal Government is working with the Lagos State Government to extend the state’s rail network to major airport terminals in Lagos as part of efforts to improve transportation connectivity and strengthen the city’s position as a leading aviation hub in Africa.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this on Monday while speaking at the Invest Lagos 3.0 Summit in Lagos.

According to the minister, the proposed rail extension will run from Ikeja through the General Aviation Terminal (GAT), Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MM2), and the international terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

Keyamo said the project forms part of broader efforts to enhance multimodal transportation, ease passenger movement, and support the growth of Lagos as a regional aviation centre.

“Lagos is ready for the next big step in aviation development,” the minister said.

“The rail extension project will further enhance connectivity and support the state’s growing status as a regional aviation hub.”

Tinubu Approves $500m Airport Modernisation Project

The minister also announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a $500 million investment for the comprehensive reconstruction and modernisation of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

According to Keyamo, the investment is aimed at transforming the ageing airport infrastructure into a modern, world-class aviation facility capable of meeting international standards.

“This is not borrowed money. It is an investment from the nation’s resources aimed at transforming a fifty-year-old airport into a world-class aviation hub,” he said.

“Within the next twenty-two months, Nigerians and visitors alike will witness a remarkable transformation that will make us all proud.”

The minister added that the Tinubu administration remains committed to attracting private sector investment into the aviation industry while resolving longstanding issues that have hindered investment growth in the sector.

‘Lagos Positioned to Become Africa’s Leading Aviation Hub’

Keyamo described Lagos as Nigeria’s foremost aviation gateway, noting that the state accounts for approximately 67 percent of international passenger traffic into the country.

He said Lagos enjoys a strategic geographic location that makes it well-suited to serve as a major connection point between Africa and other regions of the world.

“Within approximately six hours, travellers can reach Europe, the Middle East, Southern Africa and South America. This geographical advantage makes Lagos ideally suited to serve as a central hub connecting Africa with the rest of the world,” he said.

The minister expressed optimism that ongoing infrastructure investments and policy reforms would enable Lagos to compete with some of Africa’s leading aviation hubs, including Addis Ababa and Togo.

He also commended Babajide Sanwo-Olu for creating an investor-friendly environment and supporting private-sector-led development in the state.

Keyamo encouraged investors to explore opportunities in federal and state aviation projects, including the proposed airport development along the Lekki corridor, which is expected to support Lagos’ growing economic and transportation needs.

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A Lagos-based journalist with a passion for disseminating factual information and a deep appreciation for good music, good food, movies, and beautiful cars. He hopes to travel the world someday, documenting its beauty and diverse cultures through his storytelling.