The Federal Government has announced plans to extend Lagos’ existing rail network to both the domestic and international terminals of Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), a move aimed at improving transportation access and strengthening Lagos’ position as one of Africa’s leading aviation hubs.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, revealed the plan during the opening ceremony of Invest Lagos 3.0, an investment forum organised by the Lagos State Government.
According to Keyamo, discussions are already ongoing between the Federal Ministry of Aviation and the Lagos State Government to commence the rail extension project. The initiative is expected to provide easier access to Nigeria’s busiest airport while supporting the growth of aviation, trade, and logistics activities within the state.
The proposed rail line will connect with the current network that ends at Ikeja Bus Stop. From there, it will extend to the General Aviation Terminal (GAT), continue through the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), and finally reach the international terminal of the airport.
Speaking on the project, Keyamo said the rail extension would represent a major step forward for Lagos’ transportation and aviation sectors. He noted that improved rail connectivity would make movement easier for passengers, workers, and businesses operating around the airport.
The minister described Lagos as a strategic location for air travel and cargo operations, highlighting its importance to Nigeria’s aviation industry. According to him, the state currently handles about 67 percent of all passenger traffic across the country’s airports, making it the most significant aviation gateway in Nigeria.
He also pointed to Lagos’ geographical advantage, saying the city is well positioned to connect Africa with major global destinations. Its location allows relatively short travel times to Europe, the Middle East, Southern Africa, and South America, making it attractive as a regional aviation hub.
Keyamo expressed confidence that Lagos could compete with some of Africa’s leading aviation centres in the coming years if ongoing infrastructure projects are successfully completed.
In addition to the rail extension project, the minister highlighted several investments being made in the aviation sector under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. One of the key projects is the redevelopment of the old international terminal at Murtala Muhammed Airport.
The terminal, which has been in operation for more than five decades, is set for a major upgrade valued at about $500 million. The modernisation project is expected to improve passenger experience, increase operational efficiency, and enhance cargo handling capacity.
The minister also disclosed that Nigeria’s network of international airports has expanded with the addition of Victor Attah International Airport and Maiduguri International Airport, bringing the total number of international airports in the country to seven.
Keyamo further noted that the resolution of the long-standing dispute between the Federal Government and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited demonstrates the administration’s commitment to encouraging private sector participation in aviation development.
He urged local and foreign investors to take advantage of emerging opportunities within the aviation industry, including the proposed airport project in the Lekki-Epe corridor, which is being promoted by the Lagos State Government.
The planned rail extension and ongoing airport upgrades are expected to improve connectivity, attract investment, and strengthen Lagos’ role as a major transportation and aviation centre in Africa.
