The Management of the Federal Ministry of Transportation says it’s attention has been drawn to fake news making the rounds on the above subject matter.
According to certain sections of the press, particularly the online version of one of the popular mainstream newspapers of February 18, 2025, the Director of Operations at Geofocus Consortium, Engineer Yinka Idris was quoted as saying “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”.
However, the Director, Information and Public Relations/ Head of Press Janet McDickson of the Ministry stated the facts of the matter as follows.
“It is pertinent to note that the proponent of the story Geofocus Consortium held a meeting with the Federal Ministry Of Transportation 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 Concessioning 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 with.
“The company is aware that, the 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.
“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 requirement.
“The Ministry therefore demands that an apology be tendered by Messrs Geofocus Consortium and Nigerians at large for perpetration of outright falsehood and misleading the public
“The management implores Nigerians to be wary 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 press to avoid perpetration of fake news.
“The Ministry through the leadership of the Hon. Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Ahmed Alkali is working hard to fulfil its mandate in the sector and to achieve President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda as it relates to the Transportation sector hence, all stakeholders are enjoined to join hands together for the sector to succeed, McDickson concluded.