The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to commence construction of a dedicated railway line between Benin City and Lagos to address chronic traffic congestion, road decay, and escalating insecurity along the busy Benin-Lagos highway.
This resolution was adopted during plenary on Tuesday, March 11, 2026, under the leadership of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
The motion was moved by Hon. Omosede Igbinedion, who represents the Ovia North-East/Ovia South-West Federal Constituency in Edo State.
The Benin-Lagos highway serves as a vital artery linking Nigeria's commercial capital, Lagos, with Benin City in Edo State, and supports heavy traffic of people, goods, and agricultural produce between the South-South, South-East, and Lagos regions.
However, the route is severely overburdened, leading to persistent gridlocks, deteriorating road conditions, and frequent cases of armed robbery, kidnapping, and accidents.
Hon. Igbinedion highlighted the severe impacts in her motion:“The Lagos-Benin highway is currently overburdened, plagued by traffic congestion, dilapidation and rising incidents of armed robbery, kidnapping and accidents.”
“We are concerned that the absence of a railway alternative on this critical route puts strain on the national economy, endangers lives, delays supply chains and stifles regional integration.”
“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.”
“The insecurity along the route continues to discourage interstate travel and commercial activity, especially for women, traders, students and farmers transporting produce.”
“An investment in railway infrastructure is not only an economic strategy but also a national security imperative, especially in vulnerable and high-traffic regions.”
The House emphasized that a Benin-Lagos rail corridor would offer a safer, more efficient transport option, ease pressure on the highway, enhance supply chain efficiency, and promote regional economic integration.
It aligns with Nigeria's ongoing expansion of its standard-gauge rail network, including operational lines like Lagos–Ibadan and Abuja–Kaduna, as well as projects like Warri–Itakpe.
The resolution directs the inclusion of security measures in the railway design, such as surveillance systems, dedicated railway police units, and secure terminals.
The proposal is to be prioritized under the National Transport Master Plan and implemented through the Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
No specific timeline or cost details were outlined in the resolution.
The Federal Government has not yet issued an official response to the House's call, but the urging reflects growing demands from stakeholders for rail alternatives to decongest major highways and improve safety across southern Nigeria.
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