- FG denies approving Lagos-Abuja bullet train.
- Geofocus claims about funding and feasibility are false.
- FG urges Geofocus to apologize and media to verify info.
The Federal Ministry of Transportation has dismissed claims regarding the imminent launch of a Lagos-Abuja High-Speed Bullet Train, designed to reduce travel time between the two cities from 12 hours to just two or three hours.
Eko Hot Blog reports that In a statement issued from its Abuja headquarters, the ministry described the report, which had circulated widely online, as “fake and unfounded.”
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The controversy stemmed from a statement by Yinka Idris, the Director of Operations at Geofocus Consortium, who had announced the supposed project’s feasibility studies and funding as complete.
However, the ministry clarified that Geofocus had only presented an unsolicited proposal for the train project back in 2016. This proposal outlined the potential for a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with 100% financing from Geofocus.
In 2024, Geofocus submitted an Outline Business Case (OBC) to the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) for vetting. The ministry explained that the ICRC had not approved the OBC due to Geofocus’s failure to provide the necessary proof of funds.
Until these requirements are met, the project cannot move forward to the next stage, which involves submission of the Final Business Case (FBC) to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval.
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The ministry has called on Geofocus Consortium to issue a public apology for spreading inaccurate information. It also urged Nigerians and media outlets to be cautious about false reports and seek verification before publishing.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to advancing the transportation sector under the leadership of Hon. Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Ahmed Alkali, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
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