Akakan Umoh
The Nigerian Government on Thursday inaugurated a high-powered Technical Committee to evaluate and fast-track the proposed Integrated Gas, Power and High-Speed Rail Project put at $200 billion.
The inauguration, which took place at the Conference Room of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Shehu Shagari Complex, Abuja, was performed on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the SGF, George Akume.
The project, being promoted by De-Sadel Nigeria Limited, is widely regarded as one of the most ambitious private-sector-driven infrastructure initiatives in Nigeria and West Africa, combining gas monetisation, power generation, high-speed rail, digital infrastructure, and real estate development under a 40-year renewable concession framework.
Speaking at the event, Akume explained the strategic economic importance of the initiative, describing it as a catalyst for industrial growth, job creation, and energy security.
He noted that the Federal Government is committed to supporting credible investments capable of unlocking value across key sectors of the economy.
He reiterated Federal Government’s readiness to deepen partnerships with private investors, noting that projects of this scale are critical to closing Nigeria’s infrastructure gap, enhancing productivity, and driving long-term economic growth.
In his words “This project aligns with our national priorities of economic growth, energy sufficiency and modern transport infrastructure. The committee has been carefully constituted to ensure a comprehensive and objective evaluation.”
Akume said the project, estimated at about $200 billion, was envisioned as a multiphase programme integrating gas development, power generation and transmission, and the construction of a 4,000 kilometre highspeed rail network linking major economic corridors such as Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Kano and Port Harcourt.
“These kinds of projects have the potential to transform Nigeria’s transport infrastructure, strengthen energy security, stimulate industrial growth and deepen national integration,” Akume stated.
He further charged members of the committee to deliver within a strict timeline, adding: “You are expected to submit your findings and recommendations within six weeks, in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to timely and efficient decision-making.”
The Committee’s terms of reference requires it to review the integrated oil & gas–rail financing model and any proposed oil and gas asset divestments which shall avail the project speedy completion.
Members were also tasked with conducting technical and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) due diligence on China Liancai Petroleum Investment Holdings Limited and its proposed partners China Railway Group Limited/China Railway Engineering Corporation, while ensuring compliance with Public-Private Partnership (PPP) guidelines, including risk allocation, environmental and social safeguards, and resettlement issues.
In his presentation, the President/Chief Executive Officer of De-Sadel Nigeria Limited, Samuel Uko, outlined the project’s financing model and projected impact, stressing that the initiative would stimulate large-scale employment, enhance infrastructure connectivity, and accelerate industrialisation.
He said the integrated nature of the project could significantly reduce logistics costs, improve power supply to industrial clusters, and open up new corridors for trade and investment, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s position as a regional economic hub.
According to him, the project is backed by proof of funds and designed to leverage private capital to deliver sustainable infrastructure without imposing undue fiscal pressure on government resources.
The Technical Committee, chaired by a Director in the Office of the Permanent Secretary (Political and Economic Affairs), comprises representatives from key Ministries, Departments and Agencies, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Debt Management Office, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and Nigerian Communications Commission, among others.
Also represented are the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, and the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation, alongside nominees of the project promoters.
Mkposong also appointed into the Technical Committee
