The Federal Executive Council on Monday approved $45,303,000 for a detailed feasibility study and engineering design for a new transportation route alignment connecting four major Western seaports.
The Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Alkali, disclosed this while briefing journalists after the FEC meeting, presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Alkali explained that the project aims to link the Badagry Deep Seaport to Tincan, Tincan to Apapa, Lekki Seaport to Ijebu-Ode, and Kajola, where it will connect with the Lagos-Kano-Maradi railway project.
According to the Minister, the initiative is designed to enhance economic growth by connecting the Western ports to the hinterland, thereby boosting GDP and increasing economic activity.
“You are all aware transportation is one of the key priority areas of President Tinubu’s administration, and it is an enabler of economic growth. So the Federal Executive Council has granted approval for a detailed feasibility study and engineering design of a proposed route alignment from Badagry Deep Seaport to Tincan, Tincan to Apapa, Lekki Seaport to Ijebu-Ode and to Kajola. It is at Kajola it will connect with the Lagos to Kano to Maradi Railway Modernization project,” Alkali stated.
He further elaborated on the current state of port connectivity, noting that only the Apapa Port is currently linked with a rail line.
“As it is, we have only Apapa Port that is linked with a red line. We have a standard gauge inter APMT terminal in Apapa, which we are using for freight from Lagos to Ibadan, and we have the old narrow gauge that was rehabilitated, we have put it into use for freight from Lagos to Kano,” he said.
Alkali emphasized the economic benefits of linking all four Western seaports to the hinterland, stating, “So by the time we are able to link all the four seaports at the Western corridor to the hinterland, it will further grow our GDP and enhance our economic activity. The contract was awarded at the cost of $45,303,000.”
The project is part of the federal government’s broader strategy to improve transportation infrastructure, facilitate trade, and stimulate economic development across the country. By connecting the Western seaports to key railway lines, the initiative aims to streamline the movement of goods, reduce congestion at ports, and enhance Nigeria’s position as a regional trade hub.
