President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that his administration has significantly strengthened the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), transforming it into a central powerhouse for the delivery of public-private partnership (PPP) projects across Nigeria. Speaking at the 2025 Nigeria Public-Private Partnership Summit, Tinubu emphasized that the ICRC has been empowered to de-risk, fast-track, and ensure that PPP transactions yield tangible results.
The President noted that this move is not just a bureaucratic upgrade but a “structural reset” designed to align policy with execution and accelerate infrastructure development nationwide. Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to improving transparency in project pipelines, streamlining approvals, and coordinating across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to fast-track implementation of viable projects.
ICRC’s New Role
Under the strengthened ICRC, the commission is now more than just a regulator but a proactive facilitator of investment. According to the ICRC Director-General, Dr. Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, the commission is aligning regulation with facilitation, compliance with collaboration, and ensuring that every PPP transaction is not just legally sound but economically viable and socially impactful.
Infrastructure Goals
Tinubu reiterated his administration’s goal to raise Nigeria’s infrastructure stock to at least 70% of GDP by 2043, stressing that blueprints do not build roads and policies alone do not generate megawatts. These goals require collective action, and the President charged the private sector to step up with innovation, integrity, and long-term commitment.
Key Projects and Partnerships
The administration has laid a strong foundation for sustainable, private-sector-driven growth through various transformative PPP projects. Examples include the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI), MediPool medical infrastructure program, Ikere Gorge Dam, Borokiri Fishing Terminal, and MEMS platform. The summit drew participation from international development partners and leading private sector players, who engaged in collaborative sessions aimed at deepening investment and strengthening Nigeria’s PPP ecosystem.
Moving Forward
The President emphasized that the summit should be remembered not for fine speeches but for bankable projects, signed deals, and enduring progress. With the strengthened ICRC, Nigeria is poised to attract quality investments, ensure value for money, and guarantee efficient execution of infrastructure projects.
