The House of Representatives in Nigeria has officially called on the Federal Government to initiate the construction of a railway corridor linking Benin and Lagos as a solution to the persistent traffic congestion and rising insecurity along the highway. During a plenary session, a motion was presented by Omosede Igbinedion, the representative for Ovia North-East/Ovia South-West Federal Constituency in Edo State, emphasizing the need for urgent action due to the deteriorating conditions on the highway.

Igbinedion pointed out that both cities are not only significant economic hubs but also experience substantial daily movement of people and goods, which has intensified the pressure on the Lagos-Benin highway. She highlighted the issues of traffic bottlenecks, road disrepair, and the increased risk of armed robbery and kidnapping, making travel along this route increasingly perilous for commuters. The call for a railway system reflects a growing recognition of the need for alternative transportation methods to enhance safety and efficiency in the region.

This initiative, if implemented, could have significant implications for the economic landscape of southern Nigeria, by not only easing the traffic burden but also providing a safer and more reliable means of transport. Such infrastructure development is seen as a necessary step to foster economic growth and development, particularly considering the vital role that the transportation sector plays in connecting communities and facilitating trade.