The Federal Government says Nigeria’s vast gas reserves have transformative potential in powering the nation’s railway sector, particularly the 4,000 km and 350 km/h high-speed rail network.
Dr Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, at the International Railway Conference 2025, organised by the Ministry of Transportation in collaboration with De-Sadel Nigeria Limited, said that gas was poised to revolutionise connectivity and drive industrial growth across Nigeria and Africa.
According to him, natural gas can be processed into cleaner transport fuels, such as Gas-to-Liquids and Liquefied Natural Gas for transport.
He said that such a step would enable modern rail systems to reduce their carbon footprint while ensuring cost efficiency.
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The minister said that the railway project would open new frontiers for trade, investment and industrial growth in the country.
“For decades, our nation relied on crude oil as the primary driver of our economy, while gas was underutilised.
“Today, under the visionary leadership of President Bola Tinubu, this narrative is changing.
“The ‘Decade of Gas Initiative’ has repositioned gas as the centrepiece of our national energy strategy, transforming it from a by-product of oil to the foundation of Nigeria’s economic and industrial future,” he said.
He said that Nigeria was poised to leverage gas as a clean, affordable energy source to fuel capital-intensive railway infrastructure.
“He said that this was possible with the country’s proven gas reserves of 210 trillion cubic feet and an estimated upside of 600 trillion cubic feet.
“Railway infrastructure is capital-intensive and requires sustainable, affordable and clean energy sources to operate efficiently, and Nigeria’s gas resources provide a strategic solution,” he said.
Ekpo said that expanding gas-to-power projects could ensure reliable electricity for railway stations, industrial hubs, and urban centres connected by the rail network.
“The high-speed rail will unlock new economic corridors where gas-based industries, such as fertiliser plants, petrochemicals, methanol production and Compressed Natural Gas hubs can flourish.
“This will help in transforming rail-connected cities into vibrant industrial growth centres.
“With the African Continental Free Trade Area, gas-powered industries connected by high-speed rail will enhance Nigeria’s role as the engine of West and Central Africa’s industrial and energy economy,” he said.
Ekpo said these efforts were aligned with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to industrialise Nigeria, create jobs and lift millions out of poverty through sustainable energy and infrastructure development.
