For more than a decade, the project lived only in glossy presentations and political speeches — a gleaming bullet train slicing through the Nigerian countryside at 300 kilometres an hour, linking the nation’s great cities in a blur of steel and speed.
Now, the dream is rumbling towards the starting line.
Funding Secured, Work Ahead
On Tuesday in Abuja, anticipation filled the hall as representatives from the federal government, De-Sadal Nigeria Limited, and China Liancai Petroleum Investment Holdings Limited announced a breakthrough.
They said the high-speed rail project had cleared nearly 90% of the government approvals it needs.
Even more importantly, they produced proof of funds for the $60 billion undertaking.
“This morning, I presented the official approval form for the project,” declared chief executive of De-Sadal, Samuel Uko, his voice carrying the weight of ten years of persistence.
“The Asian Development Investment Bank will provide the funds for the first phase — linking four major Nigerian cities.”
The first phase will stretch 1,600 kilometres and cost $55 billion.
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Uko confirmed that investors have already secured the funds.
He promised that partial services — such as Lagos to Lokoja — could begin even before the full line reaches completion.
Powering The Journey
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, pledged to keep the trains powered.
“We have sufficient gas for the project,” he assured investors.
“You will not lag behind on this front.”
In addition, Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Alkali, announced that the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) had approved the outline business case.
His team is now preparing the full business case for the Federal Executive Council.
Supporting this, ICRC Director-General Oseodion Ewalefoh emphasised the need for credibility.
“Any investor entering Nigeria must show proof of funds,” he insisted.
“We will now review the submissions, validate the claims, and decide whether this vision will truly take shape.”
Looking ahead, the consortium plans to complete the first stretch within 36 months.
They then aim to extend the network to 4,000 kilometres, connecting Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt.
If the partners deliver on their promises, Nigerians may soon swap daydreams for departure boards — and watch the country’s first bullet train glide into a station, ready to depart.
