The Federal Government has announced plans to construct a 4,000-kilometre high-speed rail network aimed at linking Nigeria’s key economic corridors, boosting trade, and fostering national integration.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, disclosed this in Abuja during a meeting with the management of De-Sadel Nigeria Limited and their financial partners, China Liancai Petroleum Investment Holdings Limited. The session marked the formal presentation of a $60 billion proof-of-funds for the ambitious project.
Akume described the development as encouraging, stating that the proof-of-funds for the initial phase would be subjected to standard government verification processes.
Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Alkali, said the project aligns with the ministry’s mandate to provide safe, efficient, and affordable transport services while advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to attract foreign investment into critical infrastructure.
Also present, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, assured investors of adequate gas supply to power the rail network, citing Nigeria’s proven gas reserves of 210 trillion cubic feet and an additional 600 trillion cubic feet in deep offshore deposits.
According to De-Sadel Nigeria Limited CEO, Mr. Samuel Uko, the project will be executed in phases, with the first phase covering Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt—approximately 1,700 kilometres. He noted that completed sections would be opened to the public before the 36-month completion timeline.
Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Dr. Jobson Ewalefoh, stressed that submission of proof-of-funds is a statutory requirement for projects of such scale, adding that the Commission would conduct a comprehensive review to verify both the financial and technical viability of the proposal..
