The Federal Government has taken a major step toward what could become one of Nigeria’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, inaugurated a high-powered technical committee to review the proposed $200 billion Integrated Gas, Power and High-Speed Rail Project.
The bold initiative, designed to reshape the nation’s economic landscape, aims to combine energy development with a 4,000-kilometre high-speed rail network linking key economic hubs including Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the inauguration Thursday in Abuja , Akume highlighted the transformative potential of the project, describing it as a game-changer for Nigeria’s infrastructure and industrial growth.
“The proposed project, which is estimated at Two Hundred Billion United States Dollars (US $200 Billion) is envisioned as a multi-phase programme that integrates gas development, power generation and transmission, and the construction of a 4,000-kilometre high-speed rail network connecting major economic corridors of the country,” he said.
“The project has the potential to significantly transform Nigeria’s transport infrastructure, strengthen energy security, stimulate industrial growth and deepen national integration.”
He stressed that the committee’s role is critical, mandating members to rigorously examine all aspects of the proposal, including technical, legal, environmental, and financial details, while verifying claims made by the promoters.
Akume further urged the team to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and objectivity. “You must engage relevant stakeholders and ensure due diligence in line with international best practices,” he added.
The committee comprises top-level officials drawn from key ministries and agencies, including transportation, petroleum resources, finance, justice, and environment, alongside regulatory and security bodies such as the CBN, EFCC, DSS, NIA, and the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Earlier, the project proponent, Managing Director/CEO of De-Sadel Nigeria Limited, Samuel Ukoh, described the proposal as a revolutionary step for Nigeria’s transport system.
According to him, the rail network will cut inter-city travel time by as much as 75 percent while connecting all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He revealed that the project will also generate about 3,500 megawatts of electricity to power the rail system, further strengthening the country’s energy capacity.
If approved and successfully executed, the project could mark a historic shift in Nigeria’s infrastructure development, potentially unlocking new economic opportunities and positioning the country as a major player in integrated transport and energy $200bn Mega Rail & Power Plan Gains Momentum as FG Sets Up High-Level Review Committee
The Federal Government has taken a major step toward what could become one of Nigeria’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, inaugurated a high-powered technical committee to review the proposed $200 billion Integrated Gas, Power and High-Speed Rail Project.
The bold initiative, designed to reshape the nation’s economic landscape, aims to combine energy development with a 4,000-kilometre high-speed rail network linking key economic hubs including Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the inauguration Thursday in Abuja , Akume highlighted the transformative potential of the project, describing it as a game-changer for Nigeria’s infrastructure and industrial growth.
“The proposed project, which is estimated at Two Hundred Billion United States Dollars (US $200 Billion) is envisioned as a multi-phase programme that integrates gas development, power generation and transmission, and the construction of a 4,000-kilometre high-speed rail network connecting major economic corridors of the country,” he said.
“The project has the potential to significantly transform Nigeria’s transport infrastructure, strengthen energy security, stimulate industrial growth and deepen national integration.”
He stressed that the committee’s role is critical, mandating members to rigorously examine all aspects of the proposal, including technical, legal, environmental, and financial details, while verifying claims made by the promoters.
Akume further urged the team to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and objectivity. “You must engage relevant stakeholders and ensure due diligence in line with international best practices,” he added.
The committee comprises top-level officials drawn from key ministries and agencies, including transportation, petroleum resources, finance, justice, and environment, alongside regulatory and security bodies such as the CBN, EFCC, DSS, NIA, and the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Earlier, the project proponent, Managing Director/CEO of De-Sadel Nigeria Limited, Samuel Ukoh, described the proposal as a revolutionary step for Nigeria’s transport system.
According to him, the rail network will cut inter-city travel time by as much as 75 percent while connecting all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He revealed that the project will also generate about 3,500 megawatts of electricity to power the rail system, further strengthening the country’s energy capacity.
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If approved and successfully executed, the project could mark a historic shift in Nigeria’s infrastructure development, potentially unlocking new economic opportunities and positioning the country as a major player in integrated transport and energy systems.
