The Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Dr. Jobson Ewalefoh, has called for immediate and robust collaboration between the public and private sectors to address Nigeria’s staggering $2.3 trillion infrastructure deficit.
Speaking at the 2025 Nigeria Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Summit held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, Dr. Ewalefoh emphasized the critical need for both local and foreign investors to engage through PPP frameworks. The summit, themed “Unlocking Nigeria’s Potential: The Role of Public-Private Partnerships in Delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda,” drew high-level participation from federal ministers, international development banks, and global financial institutions.
PPPs: A National Imperative
In his remarks, the ICRC DG stressed that Nigeria’s market is ripe for investment and that the urgency of its infrastructure needs demands swift private sector engagement.
“With over 200 million people, a growing middle class, abundant natural resources, and an infrastructure deficit of over $2.3 trillion, Nigeria’s case for PPPs is not only compelling—it is urgent,” Ewalefoh stated.
He noted that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, infrastructure development has become central to inclusive economic growth. He cited ongoing initiatives such as the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI), MediPool, Ikere Gorge Dam, Borokiri Fishing Terminal, and the MEMS platform as evidence of the administration’s commitment to PPP-driven progress.
Ewalefoh affirmed the ICRC’s evolving role—not only as a regulator but as a facilitator—and highlighted the President’s directive mandating all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to comply strictly with the ICRC Act and PPP Guidelines.
“We are witnessing unprecedented speed in the approval of PPP projects under this administration. The President has consistently supported our mandate, even directing investors to engage directly with the ICRC. This is strengthening our ability to fast-track critical projects like the Dasin Hausa Dam in Adamawa, designed to mitigate flooding from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam,” he said.
Tinubu Administration Seeks Commitment, Not Just Capital
President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, declared the summit open with a message urging the private sector to see beyond profit and demonstrate genuine commitment to Nigeria’s infrastructure transformation.
“We are not just asking for capital—we need your commitment. Nigeria offers scale, demand, and unmatched returns in Africa. But we also need innovation, efficiency, and above all, integrity,” Shettima said.
He reiterated the government’s readiness to work with the private sector, highlighting ongoing economic reforms including subsidy removal, foreign exchange liberalization, and revenue optimization, all aimed at creating a more conducive investment climate.
Toward a Long-Term Infrastructure Vision
Vice President Shettima reaffirmed the administration’s adherence to the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (2020–2043), which aims to increase infrastructure stock from 30–35% of GDP to at least 70% by 2043.
However, he cautioned that achieving these ambitious goals will require coordinated efforts among government, investors, development partners, and civil society.
“This is a collective mission. We must de-risk projects, co-create investment frameworks, and strengthen institutional alignment to deliver sustainable, inclusive infrastructure,” he concluded.
The summit marks a renewed push by the Federal Government to deepen PPP engagement as a key driver of Nigeria’s long-term development agenda.
