The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved three major Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects aimed at boosting infrastructure development and driving economic growth across key sectors of the economy.
The projects include the establishment of a Smart National Transport Data Bank under the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), as well as Independent Power Projects (IPPs) for the Onne and Apapa Port complexes.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Head of Media and Publicity of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Ifeanyi Nwoko, the approvals followed extensive regulatory reviews by the commission.
The ICRC said it reviewed the Outline Business Case, conducted due diligence and negotiations, and certified the Full Business Case for each project before presentation to FEC.
Director-General of the ICRC, Dr. Jobson Ewalefoh, described the approvals as a major step toward attracting private sector investment through well-structured PPP arrangements.
“The approvals represent a deliberate shift towards well-structured PPPs that unlock private capital and deliver measurable economic impact,” he said.
Ewalefoh explained that the Smart National Transport Data Bank would address long-standing challenges caused by inadequate transport data in Nigeria.
“Nigeria’s biggest transport challenge is not just infrastructure; it is the lack of reliable, usable data,” he said.
He noted that the digital platform would integrate real-time information across road, rail, air and marine transportation systems to improve planning, enforcement and operational efficiency.
The system, according to him, will deploy technologies such as vehicle tagging and automated number plate recognition to strengthen traffic management and compliance.
He added that the initiative would support data-driven infrastructure planning, reduce operational inefficiencies and create new revenue streams through automation.
On the power projects, Ewalefoh said the proposed plants at the Onne and Apapa ports are designed to address persistent electricity challenges affecting industrial and commercial activities.
He disclosed that the Onne Port project would deliver a 50-megawatt power plant to provide stable electricity for the port and the Oil and Gas Free Zone.
The Apapa Port project is expected to generate about 36 megawatts through a hybrid energy system, improving energy reliability and lowering operational costs within the port environment.
“These are not just power projects; they are productivity enablers,” Ewalefoh said.
“When you fix power in these critical economic zones, you directly impact trade efficiency, reduce the cost of doing business and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional hub.”
He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring that PPP projects align with global best practices while promoting value for money, investor confidence and protection of public interest.