By Our Correspondent

National News – The House of Representatives of Nigeria has urged the Federal Government to begin work on the proposed Benin–Lagos railway corridor to tackle worsening insecurity, traffic congestion, and economic disruptions along the busy highway connecting Benin City and Lagos.

Lawmakers also called for urgent safety improvements on the Sagamu–Benin expressway, including pedestrian bridges and flyovers to reduce accidents.

The resolutions followed motions raised during plenary presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

Lawmakers warned that the Lagos–Benin corridor, one of Nigeria’s busiest transport routes, has become overstretched and unsafe for commuters and commercial transporters.

Presenting the motion, Edo lawmaker Omosede Igbinedion said the highway faces heavy congestion, poor road conditions, and increasing cases of armed robbery and kidnapping.

According to her, the absence of a modern rail alternative continues to strain the national economy and slow the movement of goods and people between major economic hubs.

She noted that a modern Lagos–Benin railway line would provide a faster, safer and more reliable transportation option for commuters, traders, farmers and students.

The proposed rail corridor is also expected to ease pressure on the road network and improve regional economic integration.

The House therefore urged the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Railway Corporation, to prioritise the railway project under the National Transport Master Plan.

Lawmakers further recommended that the railway design incorporate surveillance systems, railway police units and secure terminals to strengthen passenger safety.

In a related motion, Ogun lawmaker Adesola Ayoola‑Elegbeji raised concerns about rising fatalities along the Sagamu section of the expressway.

She explained that the highway cuts through the centre of Sagamu, effectively dividing the town and forcing residents, traders and students to cross high-speed lanes.

Lawmakers identified several accident-prone points, including Total–Ewu Oliwo Junction, RSS Junction and the Ikenne–Dalabo corridor.

The House directed the Federal Ministry of Works to review the road design and incorporate pedestrian bridges and flyovers.

The chamber also asked the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps to intensify road safety campaigns while permanent safety structures are constructed.