PPP Summit: Experts warn Nigeria risks losing investors without policy clarity

Stakeholders on the 2025 Nigeria Public-Non-public Partnership (PPP) Summit have urged the Federal Authorities to fast-track the institution of a nationwide Infrastructure Firm (Infra-Co) to handle Nigeria’s crippling infrastructure gaps, particularly in transportation.

On the summit organised by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Fee (ICRC), consultants, together with worldwide buyers, infrastructure builders, and personal sector leaders, pressed for a extra substantial dedication and a clearer funding roadmap to spice up investor confidence and appeal to capital inflows.

Pressing Name for Infra-Co

Central to the discussion was the proposal to create an Infra-Co modelled after global best practices, to own and manage public infrastructure, especially in the railway sector, and to concession it for operation and maintenance.

Speaking during a panel session titled ‘Maximising Nigeria’s Economic Potentials in the Transport Sector Using PPPs: Focus on Rail and Road Infrastructure’, Rowland Ocholi, Managing Director of Bethlehem Rail Infrastructure Limited, underscored the need to establish what he called the Nigerian Railway Infrastructure Company.

“We call for the setting up of an infrastructure company, which we have christened the Nigerian Railway Infrastructure Company. It will own the fixed infrastructure and grant maintenance concessions. It will also develop new rail infrastructure and concession it out to operators—similar to the Hong Kong MTR model,” Ocholi said.

According to him, the company should have a core investor holding at least a 50% stake, with the government gradually divesting through a market flotation.

He also criticised the excessive attention given to road infrastructure over rail, despite rail’s long-term economic potential.

“There’s too much focus on road transportation in PPPs while rail transportation is being neglected,” he added.

The New Focus

For roads, Nasir Alli, a previous President of the Everlasting Worldwide Affiliation of Highway Congress, advocated for sectoral reform by way of centralisation.

“My suggestion is to contemplate centralising the street sector in a semi-autonomous company. This might assist resolve conflicting pursuits and enhance effectivity,” he mentioned.

This reform, he famous, is crucial to make sure a coordinated and coherent approach to federal road administration.

Opuiyo Oforiokuma, Senior Companion on the Africa50 Infrastructure Acceleration Fund, famous enhancements within the Freeway Improvement and Administration Initiative (HDMI), citing at the least one operational contract and one other below development.

He urged the federal government to construct a extra structured street authority across the Federal Roads Upkeep Company (FERMA).

“FERMA has the potential to turn into the inspiration for a sturdy establishment that may appeal to personal capital, supplied it’s restructured to deal with financing and concessioning obligations,” he acknowledged.

Emphasising expertise’s function, Lai Are, Managing Director of Catamaran Nigeria Restricted—concessionaire on the Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Expressway—mentioned the success of toll programs is determined by built-in digital cost platforms and financial institution participation.

“We want the banks to assist programs like Park and Go to make tolling environment friendly. We should start to see roads as financial growth property, not simply public utilities,” he argued.

Investor Confidence Hinges on Stability

Adeniran Ajakaiye, Managing Director of Africa Plus Restricted, which is overseeing the Benin-Asaba Expressway concession, mentioned political dangers stay a major deterrent to long-term funding.

“Buyers are cautious of political instability. There must be a structured, clear transition between governments to keep away from mission disruptions and restore investor confidence,” he warned.

He additionally emphasised the significance of involving state and native governments in PPP frameworks to ensure project continuity and alignment.

The panel recommended the ICRC for its constant efforts in constructing institutional capability for PPPs, whereas reiterating that for Nigeria to unlock the full value of private investments in infrastructure, it should streamline laws, assure investor safety, and display long-term coverage consistency.

Because the summit wrapped up, one consensus rang clear: Nigeria’s infrastructure ambitions will stay unfulfilled with out daring, strategic strikes to institutionalise PPPs and fast-track reforms just like the creation of Infra-Co.