By Atlantic Reports

The Federal Government says it is discussing infrastructure partnerships with an Indian company and two international agencies to support development across Nigeria’s regional development commissions.

Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Ahmadu, disclosed this in an interview on Sunday in Abuja, saying the ministry was discussing a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise the proposed partnerships.

“We have one with an Indian company, and two other international agencies with which we sat and had serious discussions,” he said.

“They are interested in investing in the infrastructure sector in the commissions.”

Ahmadu did not name the organisations or disclose investment amounts. The discussions represent expressions of interest, rather than confirmed funding commitments.

Airline, Rail and Power Proposals

The minister said the talks followed engagements with international donor agencies and business organisations during the 2026 United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Projects under consideration include a proposed North-East Regional Airline, a North-East Rail Project and a regional power company.

Ahmadu said the airline proposal was discussed with prospective investors following an agreement by North-East governors at a recent meeting in Maiduguri.

The interview did not specify proposed routes, operating arrangements, financing requirements or a launch date. It also provided no route or implementation details for the rail proposal.

Proposed 40-Megawatt Power Project

Ahmadu said the proposed North-East Power Company would generate 40 megawatts of electricity from Kiri Dam in Adamawa State and supply power to the national grid.

“The idea is to generate revenue for the commission and add to the grid, thereby extending availability of electricity for the people,” he said.

He described investor discussions on the power project as advanced. However, the account did not provide a financing agreement, construction timetable or details of regulatory approvals and grid connection arrangements.

The 40-megawatt figure therefore represents the proposed generating capacity, rather than electricity currently being supplied.

Ahmadu also identified thermal energy as a potential investment area, saying it could generate revenue for the commissions.

Call for Nigerian Investors

The minister urged domestic investors to participate in regional infrastructure development rather than leave the opportunities exclusively to foreign partners.

“There are many investment opportunities for the private sector in the commissions,” he said.

“Investors from within our country need to take advantage of the opportunities.”

Ahmadu explained that the commissions would create an enabling environment for private investment rather than directly undertake commercial activities.

He said revenue arising from the partnerships could strengthen their finances and help sustain development programmes when funding from expected sources proved insufficient.

The interview did not explain how that revenue would be generated or shared, or what financial obligations the commissions might assume.

For communities across the regions, the proposals could affect transport connections, electricity supply and business opportunities. Those benefits remain dependent on the projects securing financing, necessary approvals and workable delivery arrangements.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.