By Our Correspondent
National News – The Federal Government has inaugurated an inter-agency technical committee to evaluate the credibility and feasibility of a proposed $200bn integrated gas-powered high-speed rail project aimed at transforming Nigeria’s transport and energy sectors.
The initiative, submitted by a consortium led by De-Sadel Nigeria Limited in partnership with China Liancai Petroleum Investment Holdings Limited, is designed as a multi-phase programme combining gas development, power generation, transmission, and a nationwide rail network spanning about 4,000 kilometres.
The proposed rail system is expected to connect major economic corridors, including Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt, under a unified infrastructure framework.
Authorities said the review will focus on financial verification, technical design, regulatory compliance, and environmental sustainability before any approval is considered.
The committee was inaugurated on Thursday, April 10, 2026, in Abuja by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, following concerns raised by security, financial intelligence, and regulatory agencies.
The panel is expected to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the project submitted by the consortium led by De-Sadel Nigeria Limited and its Chinese partner.
Officials explained that the assignment includes verifying funding arrangements, examining technical competence, reviewing legal and environmental requirements, and assessing the governance structure of the proposed public-private partnership model.
Government representatives stressed that the proposal must demonstrate financial viability, technical soundness, and alignment with national development priorities before it can advance.
The initiative is considered one of Nigeria’s most ambitious infrastructure proposals, with expectations that it could significantly enhance transportation efficiency, boost industrial development, and improve energy supply integration if eventually approved.
However, authorities maintained that the project remains under strict evaluation, and no final decision will be made until the committee submits its findings and recommendations to the Federal Government for consideration.
