Igbinedion makes case for Lagos-Benin railway
The lawmaker representing Ovia Federal Constituency, Omosede Igbinedion, has called on the Federal Ministry of Transportation and Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) to prioritise the development of a Benin-Lagos railway corridor
The lawmaker representing Ovia Federal Constituency, Omosede Igbinedion, has called on the Federal Ministry of Transportation and Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) to prioritise the development of a Benin-Lagos railway corridor under the national transport master plan.
Omosede said the Lagos-Benin railway would boost trade, ease transportation and enhance security along what she termed a “critical economic route.”
In a motion Omosede presented during plenary, she said absence of a railway alternative on the critical route puts strain on the national economy, endangers lives, delays supply chains and stifles regional integration.
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She expressed worry that insecurity along the route continued to discourage interstate travel and commercial activity, especially for women, traders, students and farmers transporting produce.
She said: ‘’Developing a modern railway line between Benin and Lagos will provide a safer, faster and more reliable alternative for commuters and businesses, while also reducing pressure on the road network.
“Investment in railway infrastructure is not only an economic strategy, but also a national security imperative, especially in vulnerable and high traffic regions.
“There is need to encourage the security components such as surveillance systems. Railway police and secured terminals should be integrated into the design of the railway infrastructure.”
