The Federal Government, in partnership with De-Sadal Nigeria and China’s Liancai Petroleum Investment Holdings, has taken a groundbreaking step toward establishing a 4,000-km high-speed “bullet train” network linking Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt.
In Abuja, these firms presented a confirmed $60 billion proof of funds—covering the first phase at $55 billion—to the Secretary to the Government, Senator George Akume.
The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has approved the Outline Business Case, positioning the project to proceed to a Full Business Case for government evaluation.
Project leads explain that Nigeria’s inadequate gas supply must be addressed to power this infrastructure, underlining broader benefits for energy development. Construction of the 1,600-km initial route is projected to take 36 months, with phased accessibility—such as commuters from early sections using the service even before overall completion.
Akume praised the project’s alignment with the current administration’s pro-business stance, and stressed that the proof of funds will be rigorously verified before the venture progresses.
