Amanze ChinonyeNigeria is set to roll out a $60 billion infrastructure venture combining gas development with the construction of a 4,000 kilometre high-speed rail network one of the largest projects of its kind in Africa.
The initiative will be delivered through a public-private partnership between the Federal Government, indigenous firm De-Sadal Nigeria Limited, and China Liancai Petroleum Investment Holdings Limited. Officials say the dual-purpose project will expand Nigeria’s gas infrastructure while transforming intercity travel, slashing journey times between major economic hubs.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelSpeaking at a presentation in Abuja on Tuesday, De-Sadal CEO Samuel Uko who spoke on behalf of the consortium, explained that $55 billion of the total $60 billion investment will be committed to the first phase. This initial phase will build 1,600 kilometres of track linking Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt, along with the gas pipelines and energy facilities needed to power the system. The remaining $5 billion will fund later phases, extending the network to the full 4,000 kilometres.
Construction is expected to last 36 months, with sections coming into service as they are completed. Uko said the trains will run on domestically produced gas to shield the network from global diesel price volatility and to provide a cleaner alternative to conventional train operations.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said the consortium has presented proof of funds for the multi-billion-dollar undertaking, now undergoing verification. “We have never had a project of this scale that strategically combines transportation and energy development,” Akume stated, pledging the Federal Government’s commitment to accelerating the approvals process.
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Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Alkali, confirmed that the Infrastructure Concessions and Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has approved the outline business case, adding that the final business case will be presented to the Federal Executive Council shortly.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said Nigeria’s abundant reserves 210 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas and over 600 trillion cubic feet in deep-sea deposits are more than enough to meet the project’s needs.
Industry experts believe the integration of transport and energy infrastructure could strengthen domestic energy security, boost manufacturing, and attract foreign investment.
If completed as planned, the high-speed rail will reduce Lagos–Abuja travel time from more than 10 hours by road to under four hours by rail, linking ports, industrial hubs, and inland markets in record time.
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