The Federal Government has inaugurated a high-level technical committee to review a proposed $200 billion integrated gas, power and high-speed rail project aimed at transforming Nigeria’s infrastructure and boosting economic growth.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, performed the inauguration on Thursday, describing the initiative as a strategic effort to strengthen energy security, modernise transportation, and deepen national integration.
This was contained in a statement by Chris Ugwegbulam, Head, Information and Public Relations.
Akume said the multi-phase project is designed to combine gas development, power generation and transmission, alongside the construction of a 4,000-kilometre high-speed rail network linking key economic hubs such as Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt.
He noted that the project, if implemented, would significantly improve industrial growth, enhance connectivity, and position Nigeria as a major player in both the energy and transport sectors.
According to him, the committee has been mandated to scrutinise all aspects of the proposal, including technical, legal and environmental considerations, as well as verify claims by the project promoters.
The panel is also expected to provide objective, evidence-based recommendations to guide government decisions.
Akume urged members to carry out their assignment with professionalism and patriotism, stressing the need for broad stakeholder engagement and adherence to international best practices.
The committee is chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, and includes representatives from key ministries and agencies such as the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Federal Ministry of Finance, Federal Ministry of Justice, and Federal Ministry of Environment.
Other members are drawn from major regulatory and security institutions, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Department of State Services, and the Office of the National Security Adviser, among others.
Presenting the proposal, Managing Director of De-Sadel Nigeria Limited, Samuel Ukoh, described the initiative as an innovative project capable of revolutionising Nigeria’s transport system.
He explained that the planned 4,000km dual-track high-speed rail network would cut inter-city travel time by up to 75 percent while connecting all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Ukoh added that the project would also generate about 3,500 megawatts of power to support rail operations.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to ensuring thorough evaluation of the proposal as part of efforts to drive sustainable infrastructure development nationwide.