The Nigeria $60bn gas and high-speed rail project is set to move from planning to execution, marking a major milestone in the country’s infrastructure development. The Federal Government, De-Sadal Nigeria Limited, and China Liancai Petroleum Investment Holdings Limited have announced that construction will soon begin, backed by substantial international funding.
The consortium presented proof of funds to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, along with the Ministers of Transportation, Sa’idu Alkali, and State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, in Abuja.
According to Samuel Uko, CEO of De-Sadal Nigeria Limited, the first phase of the project will connect four major Nigerian cities:
- Lagos to Abuja
- Abuja to Kano
- Abuja to Port Harcourt
Funding for the project will come from the Asian Development Investment Bank, with the first phase valued at $55 billion. The total project cost is $60 billion.
The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has already approved the outline business case, clearing the way for construction. Once completed, the 4,000-kilometre high-speed rail network will significantly reduce travel times, boost trade, and improve connectivity between Nigeria’s key commercial and industrial hubs.
Beyond the rail component, the project also includes major gas infrastructure investments to strengthen Nigeria’s energy sector, increase domestic supply, and position the country for expanded exports.
For related insights, see our report on Nigeria’s Railway Modernization Plans and read how Infrastructure Projects Shape Nigeria’s Economy.
For more details on the global context, see Reuters – African Infrastructure Investments and World Bank Transport Projects.
