As part of efforts to develop an integrated nationwide transportation network, the federal government has disclosed plans for a high-speed rail system linking Lagos and Maiduguri.

Disclosing this yesterday at the opening of the 19th National Council on Transportation in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Olufunso Adebiyi, said trains on the proposed corridor could operate at speeds of up to 360 kilometres per hour, significantly reducing travel time between major cities and providing Nigerians with alternatives to road transportation.

Speaking on the theme, “Developing an Effective Transport System for Nigeria: The Role of Integrated Transportation,” Adebiyi said transportation remained critical to economic growth because it facilitates the movement of people, goods and services.

He described the ongoing railway development as a rebirth of rail transportation in Nigeria, while listing the corridors already completed as Port Harcourt–Aba, Warri–Itakpe, Lagos–Ibadan, and Abuja–Kaduna.

He explained that the Kaduna–Zaria–Kano rail line was nearing completion and would become operational by December, while work was progressing on the Kaduna–Daura–Katsina, Katsina–Jibia–Maradi and Kano–Dutse corridors.

In his remarks, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr Abel Enitan, said infrastructure development must be complemented by strong institutions, effective regulation, reliable data, innovation and a skilled workforce.

He described transportation as the lifeblood of the economy and called for stronger collaboration among federal and state governments as well as transport agencies.