The Nigerian Federal government has been urged to actualise its plan to connect the Ikeja railway terminus to the airport by rail. This move is expected to provide faster, safer, and more sustainable mobility for millions of residents in Lagos, who currently face daily struggles with gridlock. The proposed rail-airport connection is seen as a welcome development, with many stakeholders expressing optimism that it will reduce traffic congestion associated with the airport environment.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced that the extension will connect the existing red line terminus at Ikeja to the general aviation terminal, Murtala Mohammed terminal 2 (MMA2), and the international terminal. This project is being developed in collaboration with the Lagos state government to enhance connectivity between both modes. Key stakeholders, including Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, are expected to be consulted before the project commences.
Aviation consultant, Uncle Samuel, has welcomed the announcement, stating that the project has been long overdue. He noted that it is essential for a country with a large number of passenger and goods traffic to have a rail connection to its airport. Samuel believes that if the vision to link the airport by rail can be actualised within a short span, it will provide passengers and importers/agents with options for entry and exit in and out of Lagos airport, reducing traffic gridlock.
The proposed rail-airport connection project is part of a larger effort to develop intermodal transport in Lagos. The Lagos Area Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA) has been working to actualise the concept of intermodal transport between Mile 2-Marina corridor. The authority has made significant progress, with the existing 12-kilometre Mile 2-Marina electric train corridor recording an increase in frequency and passenger turnout since its commencement in September 2023.
The blue line, which is Africa's first intra-city rail line, is being extended from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko. According to LAMATA, the construction of the Mile 2-Okokomaiko rail extension remains on schedule, with full passenger train operation expected to commence in the first quarter of next year. The project includes track installation, power infrastructure deployment, and construction of stations at Festac Town, Volkswagen, and Lagos State University.
To complement the rail connectivity project, the Federal government has earmarked $500 million for the reconstruction and modernisation of the old terminal of Murtala Muhammed Airport. This move is expected to enhance the overall airport experience for passengers. The minister has promised that the project will commence after ongoing consultations with key aviation stakeholders.
The blue line has already recorded significant success, moving over 5 million commuters within the last year. To meet rising demand, the frequency of train service has been increased from 57 trips at launch to 90 trips operating through Monday to Saturday. The increased capacity has been supported with the arrival of three new train sets comprising 12 coaches.
Key points
- The Nigerian Federal government has been urged to actualise its plan to connect the Ikeja railway terminus to the airport by rail.
- The proposed rail-airport connection is expected to provide faster, safer, and more sustainable mobility for millions of residents in Lagos.
- The project is being developed in collaboration with the Lagos state government to enhance connectivity between both modes.
