FG inaugurates committee on gas, power, speed rail project

The Federal Government (FG) of Nigeria has inaugurated a Technical Committee to evaluate and fast-track the proposed Integrated Gas, Power and High-Speed Rail Project.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, performed the inauguration Thursday at his office in Abuja.

The project, promoted by De-Sadel Nigeria Limited combines gas monetisation, power generation, high-speed rail, digital infrastructure and real estate development under a 40-year renewable concession framework.

Regarded as one of the boldest private-sector-driven infrastructure initiatives in West Africa, the SGG envisioned it as catalyst for industrial growth, job creation, and energy security worth supporting by government.

Akume noted, “This project aligns with our national priorities of economic growth, energy sufficiency and modern transport infrastructure. The committee has been carefully constituted to ensure comprehensive and objective evaluation.”

“You are expected to submit your findings and recommendations within six weeks, in line with the FG commitment to timely and efficient decision-making”, he charged committee members.

Outlining the financing model and projected impact, Samuel Uko, President/Chief Executive Officer, De-Sadel Nigeria Limited, stressed that the initiative would stimulate huge employment, enhance infrastructure connectivity, and accelerate industrialisation.

The integrated nature of the project, Uko explained, could significantly reduce logistics costs, improve power supply to industrial clusters and open up new corridors for trade and investment, strengthening Nigeria’s as a regional economic hub.

The Technical Committee, chaired by a Director in the Office of the Permanent Secretary (Political and Economic Affairs), comprises representatives from key Ministries, Departments and Agencies, including the Central Bank of Nigeria and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited Federal Ministry of Transport.

Also represented are the Infrastructure and Concession Regulatory Commission, Debt Management Office, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission and Nigerian Communications Commission, Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources ( Oil and Gas) among others.

Others are the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit and Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation, alongside nominees of the project promoters.