The federal government has announced plans to extend the existing Lagos rail network to the domestic and international terminals of Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) in a bid to improve connectivity and strengthen the state's position as an aviation hub in Africa.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made the announcement on Monday during the opening of Invest Lagos 3.0, an investment forum organized by the Lagos State Government. He revealed that discussions between his ministry and the state government are ongoing regarding the project, which will link the rail line that currently terminates at Ikeja Bus Stop to the airport terminals.
According to the minister, the extension will pass through the General Aviation Terminal (GAT), continue to Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2) operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), and finally terminate at the international terminal. He expressed confidence that the project would significantly enhance access to Nigeria's busiest airport.
"That rail line is about to start. It is the extension of the rail line. So, Lagos is just ready for the next big step in terms of its aviation activities," Keyamo said. He emphasized that the initiative aligns with the government's broader ambition to position Lagos as a major aviation and logistics hub on the continent.
The proposed rail link will complement Lagos' expanding rail network, which has become a vital component of the state's transportation system. Last month, the Lagos State Government reported that the Blue Line carried approximately 3.5 million passengers in 2025, with daily ridership reaching 15,000 commuters. Work continues on extending the Blue Line to Okokomaiko and expanding services on the Red Line.
Keyamo noted that Lagos accounts for about 67 percent of passenger traffic through Nigeria's airports, highlighting the state's strategic importance to the nation's aviation industry. He argued that Lagos' geographical location gives it a natural advantage to compete with established aviation hubs across Africa.
"Just six hours across the Atlantic, you will get to South America from the Lagos airport. Six hours down, you will get to Southern Africa. Six hours to the Middle East, you will get to Dubai or Qatar. Six hours up, you will get to Europe, either France or London. That is the equidistant advantage that Lagos provides as a hub for the whole of Africa. We will soon catch up with hubs like Addis Ababa and Lome," he said.
The minister also highlighted ongoing investments in airport infrastructure under President Bola Tinubu's administration, noting that about $500 million has been committed to reconstructing and modernizing the international terminal at Lagos airport. This investment is expected to transform the aging facility into a modern airport capable of handling growing passenger and cargo traffic.
Additionally, Keyamo announced that the federal government has expanded Nigeria's international airport network by designating Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo and Maiduguri International Airport, bringing the total number of international airports in the country to seven. He also noted that the resolution of the long-running dispute between BASL and the federal government demonstrates the administration's commitment to creating an enabling environment for private sector participation in the aviation industry.
The minister urged local and foreign investors to explore opportunities in the sector, including the proposed airport project in the Lekki-Epe corridor being promoted by the Lagos State Government. If implemented, the airport rail extension would provide direct rail access to the country's busiest aviation gateway, complementing ongoing investments in Lagos' mass transit system and supporting broader efforts to improve mobility in Nigeria's commercial capital.
Murtala Mohammed International Airport, named in honor of Nigeria's former Head of State, Murtala Ramat Mohammed, following his assassination in February 1979, was inaugurated and opened to passengers 47 years ago in March 1979.
