FG to Extend Rail to Lagos Airport, Says Keyamo

The federal government is planning to extend the existing Lagos rail network to both the domestic and international terminals of the Murtala Muhammed Airport. This is part of efforts to improve transport links and boost Lagos as a major aviation hub in Africa.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, shared this news on Monday during the opening of Invest Lagos 3.0, an investment forum hosted by the Lagos State Government.

Mr Keyamo mentioned that talks are ongoing between his ministry and the Lagos State Government about this project. The extension will link the rail line that currently ends at Ikeja Bus Stop to the airport terminals.

The proposed rail line will pass through the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) and continue to the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), which is run by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL). It will finish at the international terminal.

“That rail line is about to start. It is the extension of the rail line. So, Lagos is just ready for the next big step in terms of its aviation activities,” the minister said.

He added that this project will enhance access to Nigeria’s busiest airport and support the government’s goal of making Lagos a major aviation and logistics center in Africa. The new link will also fit well with Lagos’ growing rail network, which is becoming a key part of the state’s transport system.

Last month, the Lagos State Government reported that the Blue Line carried around 3.5 million passengers in 2025. Daily ridership has reached 15,000 commuters, and work is ongoing to extend it to Okokomaiko while expanding services on the Red Line.

Mr Keyamo pointed out that Lagos accounts for about 67 percent of passenger traffic through Nigeria’s airports. He said this number shows how important Lagos is to the country’s aviation sector.

He also mentioned that Lagos has a geographical advantage, which helps it compete with other big aviation hubs in Africa.

“Just six hours across the Atlantic, you will get to South America from the Lagos airport. Six hours down, you will get to Southern Africa. Six hours to the Middle East, you will get to Dubai or Qatar. Six hours up, you will get to Europe, either France or London.

“That is the equidistant advantage that Lagos provides as a hub for the whole of Africa. We will soon catch up with hubs like Addis Ababa and Lome,” he said.

The minister also spoke about ongoing investments in airport facilities under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He revealed that about $500 million has been set aside to reconstruct and modernize the international terminal at Lagos airport.

According to Mr Keyamo, this investment will change the old terminal into a modern airport that can handle more passengers and cargo.

He also noted that the federal government has expanded Nigeria’s international airport network. The Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo and Maiduguri International Airport are now part of this network, making a total of seven international airports in the country.

He mentioned that resolving the long-standing dispute between BASL and the federal government shows the administration’s dedication to creating a good environment for private sector involvement in aviation.

The minister encouraged both local and foreign investors to look into opportunities in the sector. This includes the proposed airport project in the Lekki-Epe corridor promoted by the Lagos State Government.

If this rail extension is completed, it will give direct rail access to Nigeria’s busiest airport. This will support ongoing investments in Lagos’ mass transit system and help improve transport in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

The Muritala Mohammed International Airport was named after Nigeria’s former Head of State, Muritala Ramat Mohammed, after he was assassinated in February 1979. The airport opened for passengers 47 years ago in March 1979.