The Federal Government has set up an inter agency technical committee to review a proposed 200 billion dollar Integrated Gas Power and High Speed Rail Project.
The move signals a cautious approach to one of the most ambitious infrastructure proposals in Nigeria’s history.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume inaugurated the panel in Abuja and asked members to carry out a thorough and professional assessment of the proposal to guide decisions in the national interest.
The committee will evaluate a submission by De Sadel Nigeria Limited working with China Liancai Petroleum Investment Holdings Limited for a multi phase project that combines gas development, power generation and transmission, and a 4,000 kilometre high speed rail network.
Akume said the size and complexity of the plan require rigorous scrutiny. He stressed that government must be satisfied with its technical viability, funding structure and compliance with all regulations before making any commitment.
He noted that his office has already received inputs from security, financial intelligence and regulatory agencies on the financing model and the parties involved, underlining the need for a coordinated review.
The proposed project is designed to link major economic corridors including Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Kano and Port Harcourt with high speed trains, while also boosting energy supply through integrated gas and power infrastructure.
Government believes that if the project proves viable it could transform transportation, improve energy security, drive industrial growth and strengthen national integration.
The committee is chaired by the Permanent Secretary Political and Economic Affairs Office in the SGF’s office and includes representatives from key ministries and agencies such as Transportation, Petroleum Resources, Finance, Justice and Environment.
Other members are drawn from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Nigerian Communications Commission, Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, National Intelligence Agency, Office of the National Security Adviser, Department of State Services, Debt Management Office and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Secretariat.
Its mandate covers verifying proof of funds, assessing financial and sovereign risk exposure, reviewing the financing structure and examining the technical capacity of the promoters and contractors.
The panel will also review the rail infrastructure plans, local content provisions, regulatory compliance and any security or reputational risks, and advise on whether the proposal is ready to go before the Federal Executive Council.
Managing Director of De Sadel Consortium Samuel Ukoh said the project would create a new infrastructure backbone for Nigeria, including a nationwide rail network, gas based power generation, fibre optic connectivity and real estate developments around major stations.
He explained that the first phase will cover a 1,700 kilometre corridor linking Abuja, Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt, with trains running at up to 350 kilometres per hour and cutting travel time between Lagos and Abuja to about two hours and 30 minutes.
Ukoh added that the initial phase is expected to generate about 3,500 megawatts of electricity to power the rail system, while the full project could deliver up to 8,500 megawatts.
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