By Dele Ogbodo
The Federal Ministry of Transportation has said it’s attention has been drawn to the fake news making the rounds that travel time on its bullet train from Lagos to Abuja will be cut by 3 hours.
The story which the Ministry claimed is fake news was written by Mr. Rotimi Agboluaje, on the online version of the Guardian newspaper: guardian.ng/news dated 18/2/2025.
According, to the Director, Information and Public Relations of the Ministry, Mrs. Janet McDickson, in a statement, said the story purports that: “Nigeria’s transport sector is set for a revolution as Lagos-Abuja High Speed Bullet Train gains momentum, reducing travel time between both cities from 12 to just 2-3 hours.”
She said according to the report the Director of Operations at Geofocus Consortium, Engr. Yinka Idris, informed the press on the development.
While debunking, the report, McDickson, recalled that it is pertinent to note that the proponent of the story, Geofocus Consortium held a meeting with the Ministry in 2016 to discuss the unsolicited proposal to build a bullet train from Lagos to Abuja under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model with 100% financing by the proponent.
“However, in 2024, the document, an outline Business Case (OBC) was forwarded to the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) in line with their mandate for vetting and due diligence.
“ICRC responded with a request that the company provides a support letter from their financiers which they are yet to comply.
“The company is aware that, ICRC has not granted approval on the OBC with particular reference to the proof of funds which is necessary to proceed for submission of FBC.”
The Ministry asserts that it should however, be noted that, it is only when these requirements are met that, a memo will be sent to Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval.
Hence, the story that the feasibility studies are completed, and proof of funds has been secured is just in the imagination of the company, as it is yet to fulfil the requirements needed.
The Ministry has therefore requested that Messrs Geofocus Consortium to tender apologise to the Federal Ministry of Transportation and Nigerians at large for carrying out information that is not factual.
The statement further added “Management implore Nigerians to be weary of this fake news and ignore it.
” For quality reportage, the online paper and others that carried the fake story are also advised to seek clarification on issues before going to print to avoid broadcasting fake news.
The Ministry through the leadership of the Minister of Transportation, Sen. Ahmed Alkali, is working hard to fulfil its mandate in the sector and to achieve President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda as it relates to the transportation sector hence, all stakeholders should cooperate for the sector to succeed.
