By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Nigeria’s transportation sector with the construction of a 4,000-kilometre high-speed rail network designed to connect key economic corridors, boost trade, and promote national integration.
The Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Segun Imohiosen, disclosed this in an official statement, noting that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, made the announcement in Abuja during a meeting with the management of De-Sadel Nigeria Limited and their financial partners, China Liancai Petroleum Investment Holdings Limited. The engagement marked the formal presentation of a $60 billion proof-of-funds for the ambitious rail project.
Akume described the meeting with the investors as highly encouraging, explaining that the proof-of-funds for the initial phase of the project would undergo the necessary verification processes in line with standard government procedures. He stressed that the initiative represents a major stride toward delivering world-class transport infrastructure capable of reshaping the nation’s economic landscape.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Alkali, emphasised that the project aligns squarely with the Ministry’s mandate to provide safe, secure, efficient, and affordable transport services. He added that it also advances President Bola Tinubu’s vision of attracting foreign investment into critical infrastructure projects across the country.
The Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, assured the investors that the Federal Government is fully prepared to provide adequate gas supply to power the project. He underscored Nigeria’s vast energy capacity, highlighting proven reserves of 210 trillion cubic feet of gas and an additional 600 trillion cubic feet in deep offshore deposits.
In outlining the implementation plan, the Chief Executive Officer of De-Sadel Nigeria Limited, Mr. Samuel Uko, explained that the project would be executed in phases, with the first phase covering Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt approximately 1,700 kilometres. He revealed that completed sections would be opened to the public ahead of the scheduled 36-month completion period, ensuring that Nigerians benefit from the infrastructure as soon as possible.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Dr. Jobson Ewalefoh, stated that the submission of proof-of-funds was a statutory requirement for projects of this magnitude. He assured that the Commission would carry out a thorough review and validation to guarantee both the financial and technical viability of the proposal before it moves to the next stage.
When completed, the high-speed rail network is expected to drastically cut travel time, facilitate the seamless movement of goods and passengers, stimulate trade, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a major transport hub in West Africa.
