Nigeria Set For $60 Billion High-Speed Rail And Gas Revolution.
De-Sadel Nigeria Limited, in partnership with China Liancai Petroleum Investment Holdings Limited, has secured $60 billion in funding to launch a transformative high-speed rail and gas development project in Nigeria. The companies presented proof of funds to Sen. George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, in Abuja on 12 August 2025, marking a significant step towards modernising Nigeria’s transport and energy sectors.
Samuel Uko, Chief Executive Officer of De-Sadel Nigeria Limited, announced that the financing, sourced from the Asian Development Investment Bank, will support the first phase of the project, valued at $55 billion. The initiative includes a 4,000-kilometre high-speed rail network connecting Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt, covering 1,600 kilometres in its initial stage across six states. “This administration has granted nearly 90% of the necessary approvals,” Uko stated, highlighting the project’s progress after a decade of planning. “The rail line will transform travel, with phased construction allowing residents to benefit as sections are completed within 36 months.”
The project integrates gas development to power the rail system, addressing Nigeria’s current gas shortages. Uko emphasised the synergy: “The raw material for high-speed rail is power, and the raw material for power is gas. We must expand our gas infrastructure to support this initiative.” Nigeria’s proven gas reserves of 210 trillion cubic feet, plus 600 trillion in deep-sea deposits, provide a strong foundation, with assurances from Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, that supply will meet demand.
The Federal Government, through the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), approved the Outline Business Case, with the proof of funds submission as the next critical step. Sen. George Akume described the proposal as a “welcome development” but noted that the $60 billion funding would undergo rigorous scrutiny to ensure viability and authenticity. “President Bola Tinubu’s administration is business-friendly, but partnerships must be credible and beneficial,” he said. Minister of Transportation Sa’idu Alkali added that the project aligns with the government’s mandate to provide safe, affordable transport and attract foreign investment.
The high-speed rail is expected to create thousands of jobs, boost trade, and enhance connectivity between Nigeria’s economic hubs. Phased construction means that sections, such as Lagos to Lokoja, will become operational before the full 36-month timeline, offering early benefits to residents. The project also complements Nigeria’s broader energy goals, with the gas component strengthening the sector’s capacity to support industrial growth.
This ambitious initiative positions Nigeria as a potential hub for modern rail transport in Africa, promising to revolutionise travel, stimulate economic growth, and harness the nation’s vast gas resources for sustainable development.
