Blog Details

The Federal Government has inaugurated a technical committee to review a proposed $200 billion integrated gas, power and high-speed rail project submitted by De-Sadel Nigeria Limited.

The disclosure was contained in a statement issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Thursday.

The proposal outlines a multi-phase infrastructure initiative combining gas development, power generation and transmission, alongside a 4,000-kilometre high-speed rail network.

The committee has been tasked with assessing the feasibility and overall viability of the proposal before any government decision is made.

According to the statement, the high-speed rail component will span approximately 4,000 kilometres on a dual-track system connecting major cities, including Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt. The rail network is expected to significantly reduce travel time between key economic hubs.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of De-Sadel Nigeria Limited, Samuel Ukoh, said the project is capable of transforming Nigeria’s transport infrastructure and reducing travel time by up to 75%.

The proposal also aims to connect all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, positioning the rail system as a backbone for national mobility and economic integration.

The broader project goes beyond transportation, incorporating gas infrastructure and power generation to support operations and industrial growth. It is designed as an integrated system to ensure sustainability and efficiency.

The outcome of the committee’s review will guide the Federal Government’s decision on whether to proceed with the project.

Nigeria has continued to pursue multiple rail and transport infrastructure projects in recent years as part of efforts to improve connectivity and economic development. These projects span feasibility studies, funding initiatives, and rehabilitation of existing rail lines.

The government has also proposed N102.3 billion as counterpart funding for the Lagos Green Line rail project in the 2026 budget, although work on the project is yet to commence.

Nigeria’s rail sector recorded steady growth in 2025, reflecting rising demand for transportation services despite infrastructure gaps.

Freight revenue followed the same pattern, rising to N775.75 million in Q2 before falling to N397.82 million in Q4.