Abuja: The Federal Government of Nigeria, De-Sadel Nigeria Ltd., and China Liancai Petroleum Investment Holdings Limited are set to initiate the construction of a 4000km high-speed rail network spanning six states across the nation. This announcement was made during the presentation of the $60 billion proof-of-funds to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, by the two firms in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event was graced by the presence of the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Sa’idu Alkali, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, and a representative of the Attorney-General of the Federation, among others. The Chief Executive of De-Sadel Nigeria Limited, Mr. Samuel Uko, revealed that an official proof-of-funds from the Asian Development Investment Bank had been presented to the federal government for the initial phase of the project.
He explained that the project aims to connect major cities including Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt, covering approximately 1,600 kilometers in the initial stage. Uko emphasized that nearly 90 percent of the necessary approvals had been secured from the current administration. With the submission of the proof-of-funds through their financial and technical partners, the construction will proceed in phases. As each section is completed, Nigerians will gain access to the train service even before the entire 36-month schedule is fulfilled.
He also noted that the rail system would necessitate a substantial power supply, which would be reliant on the availability of gas, thereby highlighting the connection between the project and the oil and gas sector.
