FG Plans Rail Link to Lagos Airport to Boost Aviation Hub Status — Keyamo
The Federal Government has announced plans to extend the Lagos rail network to the domestic and international terminals of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) in a move aimed at improving airport accessibility and strengthening Lagos’ position as a leading aviation hub in Africa.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed the plan on Monday during the opening ceremony of Invest Lagos 3.0, organised by the Lagos State Government.
According to the minister, discussions are already underway between the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Lagos State Government to connect the existing rail line terminating at Ikeja Bus Stop to the airport terminals.
He explained that the proposed extension would run through the General Aviation Terminal (GAT), continue to the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), and terminate at the international terminal.
Keyamo said the project would significantly improve connectivity to Nigeria’s busiest airport while supporting efforts to transform Lagos into a major aviation and logistics hub on the continent.
“We are working with the Lagos State Government to extend the rail line from Ikeja Bus Stop through the domestic terminals and all the way to the international airport. The project is expected to commence soon,” he said.
The minister also revealed that Lagos accounts for about 67 per cent of passenger traffic across Nigeria’s airports, underscoring its strategic importance to the nation’s aviation industry.
He noted that Lagos enjoys a geographical advantage that positions it to compete with established African aviation hubs, citing its proximity to Europe, the Middle East, Southern Africa and South America.
Keyamo further highlighted ongoing investments in aviation infrastructure under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, including a $500 million commitment towards the reconstruction and modernisation of the international terminal at the Lagos airport.
He said the upgrade would transform the decades-old facility into a modern airport capable of handling increased passenger and cargo traffic.
The minister added that the country’s international airport network has expanded with the designation of Victor Attah International Airport and Maiduguri International Airport as international gateways, bringing the total number of international airports in Nigeria to seven.
He also cited the resolution of the long-standing dispute between BASL and the Federal Government as evidence of efforts to create a more conducive environment for private sector investment in the aviation sector.
Keyamo urged both local and foreign investors to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the industry, including the proposed airport project in the Lekki-Epe corridor being promoted by the Lagos State Government.
