Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume on Thursday inaugurated a high-level technical committee to scrutinize a proposed $200 billion integrated gas, power and high-speed rail project, aiming to overhaul the nation’s infrastructure and boost the country’s role in global energy and transport markets.
Speaking at the launch of event in Abuja, SGF Akume outlined the multiyear initiative as a sweeping program blending gas development, power generation and transmission with a 4,000-kilometer high-speed rail network.
NewsQuest reports that the rail lines is expected to link key economic hubs including Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt, slashing intercity travel times by 75% and connecting all 36 states plus the Federal Capital Territory, according to project backers.
“The project has the potential to transform Nigeria’s transport infrastructure, strengthen energy security, stimulate industrial growth and deepen national integration,” SGF Akume said.
The committee, chaired by the permanent secretary of the Political and Economic Affairs Office, draws senior officials from the ministries of transportation, petroleum resources, finance, justice and environment, plus regulators, financiers and security agencies.
The inaugurated committee is expected to carryout a rigorous audit of technical, legal and environmental claims from promoters, delivering evidence-based advice to steer government decisions.
SGF Akume urged the panel for diligence, transparency and alignment with international standards.
“Carry out this responsibility with professionalism, objectivity and patriotism,” he said.
Samuel Ukoh, managing Director of De-Sadel Nigeria Ltd., one of the project’s proponents, hailed it as a game-changer.
The rail would generate 3,500 megawatts of electricity to fuel operations and wider needs, he said, while redefining mobility across the nation.
