The Federal Government has set up a technical committee to assess a proposed $200 billion integrated gas, power, and high-speed rail project submitted by De-Sadel Nigeria Limited.

This was disclosed in a statement released on Thursday by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The proposal features a multi-phase infrastructure plan that combines gas development, electricity generation and transmission, as well as a 4,000-kilometre high-speed rail network.

The committee has been mandated to evaluate the feasibility and overall viability of the proposal before the Federal Government takes any final decision.

According to the statement, the high-speed rail component is expected to cover about 4,000 kilometres on a dual-track system linking major cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt.

The network is projected to significantly cut travel time between key economic centres across the country.

“The proposed project, which is estimated at Two Hundred Billion United States Dollars (US $200 Billion) is envisioned as a multi-phase programme that integrates gas development, power generation and transmission, and the construction of a 4,000-kilometre high-speed rail network connecting major economic corridors of the country, including Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt.”
“The project has the potential to significantly transform Nigeria’s transport infrastructure, strengthen energy security, stimulate industrial growth and deepen national integration’’ Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of De-Sadel Nigeria Limited, Samuel Ukoh, said the proposed project has the potential to transform Nigeria’s transport infrastructure and cut travel time by as much as 75 per cent.

He noted that the initiative also seeks to link all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, positioning the rail network as a key backbone for national mobility and economic integration.

Beyond transportation, the broader project integrates gas infrastructure and power generation to support operations and drive industrial growth, with the system designed for sustainability and operational efficiency.

The project also includes plans to generate about 3,500 megawatts of electricity to power the rail system and support surrounding industrial activities.

The committee has been directed to review all submitted documentation, verify technical claims, and assess the project’s legal, environmental, and operational viability.

Members are also expected to engage relevant stakeholders and ensure the proposal aligns with international best practices in infrastructure development.

The outcome of the review will inform the Federal Government’s final decision on whether to proceed with the project.

The Government has also proposed ₦102.3 billion as counterpart funding for the Lagos Green Line rail project in the 2026 budget, although construction work is yet to begin.

Nigeria’s rail sector recorded steady growth in 2025, driven by increasing demand for transportation services despite existing infrastructure gaps.

A total of 3,888,661 passengers were transported on lines managed by the Nigerian Railway Corporation during the year, generating ₦7.77 billion in revenue.

The Lagos Green Line rail project remains a key part of the country’s urban rail expansion plans, while the broader sector continues to reflect gradual improvements in usage and earnings.