Nigeria is about to witness a major transformation with the ground breaking of a high-speed rail project, worth $200 billion dollars in the first quarter of 2026.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of De Sadel Consortium, Mr. Samuel Uko, who revealed this at the just concluded International Railway Conference in Abuja, said this feat is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He explained that so far, De Sadel Consortium has been able to secure $60billion for the first phase, which is estimated to cost $55 billion, and will be completed within 36 months.
De-Sadel Consortium is a Nigerian innovation venture investment and project strategy company focused on integrated project management, particularly in the Oil & Gas, Rail and Transport, and Energy sectors.
Uko said the project goes beyond building a modern rail line structured as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), adding that is expected to cover 1,600 kilometers across 20 states, linking four major cities – Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt.
He said, “The high-speed rail is not just coming with trains. It is coming with industrial cities and opportunities for the young generation. It’s a futuristic project designed for the future of Nigeria.”
Uko emphasised that the speed rail will serve both middle and lower class travelers, making travel across the country more accessible and efficient.
He said the high-speed rail runs either through tunnels or bridges.
“In our case, everything will be new, constructed on bridges. This makes it both faster and easier to build,” Uko noted.
On the economic potential, Uko expressed optimism and said, “Initially, our projection was a 20-year investment plan. Right now, it’s less than 10 years. If just 5% of Nigerians make 10 trips a year at $100 per ticket, the project will pay back in under a decade.”
He cited an example of the Aliko Dangote’s refinery, which was once doubted but now a reality.
“Nigerians are intelligent people who want the best. This project will prove that we can achieve what many thought impossible,” he said.
Uko expressed deep appreciation for the government’s support, adding that the administration’s commitment has surprised even stakeholders.
“This has never happened on the African continent before. The world is watching to see what Nigeria achieves in the next two years,” he said.
He said President Tinubu is expected to invite world leaders to the groundbreaking ceremony, and urged Nigerians to see the project as their own.
“This is not just for the company, it’s for Nigerians, for the people, and for the future,” he said.
