The attention of the Management of the Federal Ministry of Transportation has been drawn to the fake news making the rounds on the above subject matter, written by an online Guardian journalist, named Rotimi Agboluaje on newsguardian.ng/news dated 18/2/2025 purporting 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”. This according to the story, the Director of Operations at Geofocus Consortium, Engineer Yinka Idris informed the press recently.
It is pertinent to note that the proponent of the story Geofocus Cosertium 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 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, 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 requirements needed.
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Messrs Geofocus Consortium is therefore requested to apologise to the Federal Ministry of Transportation and Nigerians at large for carrying out information that is not factual.
The 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 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 should cooperate for the sector to succeed.
SIGNED
MANAGEMENT
