The Federal Ministry of Transportation has categorically denied reports regarding the impending launch of a high-speed bullet train connecting Lagos and Abuja, which was claimed to reduce travel time between the two cities from 12 hours to a mere two to three hours.
In a statement released in Abuja, the ministry described the circulating report as “fake and unfounded.” The claims originated from Yinka Idris, Director of Operations at Geofocus Consortium, who had previously made assertions about the project’s feasibility and funding.
The ministry clarified that Geofocus Consortium had approached them in 2016 with an unsolicited proposal to construct the bullet train under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, with the consortium financing the project entirely. However, the ministry highlighted that as of 2024, the outline Business Case (OBC) submitted to the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has not yet received approval due to the company’s failure to provide necessary proof of funds requested by the ICRC.
The ministry emphasized that without meeting these essential requirements, the project cannot move forward for Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval. Consequently, the assertion that feasibility studies are complete and funds secured is misleading and unfounded.
In light of these developments, the ministry has urged Geofocus Consortium to issue an apology for disseminating false information. It also calls on the public to remain vigilant against fake news and advises media outlets to verify facts before publication to ensure quality journalism.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s transportation sector as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, appealing for the cooperation of all stakeholders involved.
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