The Federal Ministry of Transportation has dismissed reports claiming that a “Lagos-Abuja High-Speed Bullet Train,” which would reduce travel time between the two cities from 12 hours to two or three hours, is imminent. In a statement issued from its Abuja office, the ministry declared that the widely circulated report on online platforms is entirely fake and unfounded.
The ministry emphasized that the claim made by Yinka Idris, the Director of Operations at Geofocus Consortium, is false. “It is pertinent to note that the proponent of the story, Geofocus Consortium, held a meeting with the Federal Ministry of Transportation in 2016 to discuss the unsolicited proposal to build a bullet train from Lagos to Abuja under a Public Private Partnership model with 100% financing by the proponent,” the statement explained.
The ministry went on to detail that in 2024, an outline Business Case (OBC) document was submitted to the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) for vetting and due diligence. However, the ICRC requested that the company provide a support letter from its financiers—a requirement that has not yet been met. The ministry stressed that the ICRC has not approved the OBC, particularly due to the absence of proof of funds necessary to advance to the full Business Case submission stage. “It should, however, be noted that it is only when these requirements are met that a memo will be sent to the Federal Executive Council for approval. Hence, the story that the feasibility studies are completed and proof of funds has been secured is just in the imagination of the company, as it is yet to fulfil the requirements needed,” the statement read.
The ministry has requested that Geofocus Consortium issue an apology to both the ministry and the Nigerian public for disseminating false information, and it urged Nigerians to disregard the fake news.
“For quality reportage, the online paper and others that carried the fake story are also advised to seek clarification on issues before going to print to avoid broadcasting fake news.
“The ministry, through the leadership of the Hon. Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Ahmed Alkali, is working hard to fulfil its mandate in the sector.
The ministry is also working to achieve President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda as it relates to the transportation sector,” it stated.
The management solicited the cooperation of all stakeholders for the sector to succeed.
NAN
