The Federal Ministry of Transportation has refuted reports circulating on online platforms regarding the imminent launch of a high-speed bullet train between Lagos and Abuja, which was claimed to reduce travel time between the two cities from 12 hours to just two to three hours.
In a statement issued on Thursday, February 20, the Ministry described the claims as “fake and unfounded,” stressing that they were based on inaccurate information provided by Yinka Idris, the Director of Operations of Geofocus Consortium.
Idris had reportedly issued a statement suggesting that the feasibility studies for the project were complete, and that the necessary funding had been secured.
The Ministry clarified that while Geofocus Consortium had proposed the idea for the bullet train under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in 2016, no concrete progress had been made on the project. The proposal, the Ministry explained, was initially submitted to the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) in 2024 for due diligence.
However, the ICRC responded with a request for a support letter from the consortium’s financiers, a condition that has not yet been met. The Ministry also pointed out that the Outline Business Case (OBC) for the project had not been approved, particularly due to the lack of proof of funds, which is a crucial requirement for the project to move forward.
The statement further clarified that it is only after meeting these requirements that a memo would be submitted to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval.
“It should be noted that the claim that feasibility studies have been completed and proof of funds has been secured is purely speculative, as the company has yet to fulfil the necessary requirements,” the Ministry’s rejoinder read.
The Ministry also called on Geofocus Consortium to issue an apology to the Ministry and the Nigerian public for disseminating false information. It urged Nigerians to disregard the fake news and cautioned media outlets to verify facts before publishing such claims.
“For quality reportage, the online platforms and other media outlets that published the false story are advised to seek clarification before going to print to avoid the spread of misinformation,” the Ministry added.
The statement concluded by reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to advancing the transportation sector in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, and appealed for the cooperation of all stakeholders in ensuring the sector’s success.
The Ministry, under the leadership of Hon. Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Ahmed Alkali, continues to work towards fulfilling its mandate and delivering on critical infrastructure projects across the country.
