FG, Partners With Foreign Ownership to Begin $60bn High-Speed Rail and Gas Project in Nigeria

The Federal Government, in partnership with De-Sadel Nigeria Limited and China Liancai Petroleum Investment Holdings Limited, is preparing to kick off the construction of a 4,000km high-speed rail network — also known as a bullet train — alongside a major gas development project.

The announcement came on Tuesday in Abuja as the consortium presented a $60 billion proof of funds to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

Chief Executive Officer of De-Sadel Nigeria Limited, Samuel Uko, described the development as a milestone, noting that the rail project, conceived a decade ago, had now received nearly 90% of the required approvals under the current administration.

The first phase will connect four major cities — Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt — covering 1,600 kilometers and projected to be completed in 36 months. Construction will be delivered in phases, allowing completed sections, such as Lagos to Lokoja, to begin operations before the entire project is finished.

Uko explained that the gas component of the project is critical, as reliable power supply is essential for high-speed rail operations. “The raw material for power is gas, so we have to strengthen the gas infrastructure to power the bullet train,” he said.

Of the total $60 billion funding, $55 billion is allocated to the first phase, with financing facilitated through the Asian Development Investment Bank.

SGF Akume welcomed the initiative, highlighting Nigeria’s openness to credible and beneficial foreign investments. He said the proof of funds would undergo thorough scrutiny to ensure the viability and integrity of the project, noting that the high-speed rail would be a transformative addition to Nigeria’s transport infrastructure.