Abuja, June 23, 2026 — The Federal Government has introduced a Model Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Agreement aimed at improving infrastructure delivery, streamlining project negotiations and attracting greater private sector investment into key sectors of the economy.
The Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Dr Jobson Ewalefoh, announced the initiative during a stakeholders’ engagement session on the new framework held in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to Ewalefoh, the model agreement establishes a standard template for PPP transactions and is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to attract private financing needed to address the country’s estimated 2.3 trillion-dollar infrastructure shortfall.
He explained that Nigeria would require about 100 billion dollars annually to bridge the infrastructure deficit by 2043, stressing that public funding alone would be insufficient to meet such a target.
Ewalefoh noted that greater private sector involvement had become essential to achieving the nation’s development goals and expanding critical infrastructure.
He said the commission had spent nearly two years developing the framework to provide a sustainable foundation for PPP projects and improve confidence among investors and government institutions.
The ICRC chief recalled that since the enactment of the commission’s enabling law in 2005, PPP projects had largely been negotiated independently by individual Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), often resulting in inconsistencies and prolonged negotiations.
According to him, the absence of a unified framework created uncertainties around risk-sharing arrangements and dispute resolution mechanisms, while increasing transaction costs and discouraging long-term investment.
He added that the new agreement was developed through broad consultations involving legal practitioners, financial experts, transaction advisers, PPP professionals, government agencies, investors and lending institutions.
Ewalefoh said the framework was designed in line with international standards while taking into account Nigeria’s legal and regulatory environment.
He clarified that the model agreement was not intended to replace project-specific negotiations or professional advisory services but rather serve as a dependable reference point that would accelerate negotiations and improve contract quality.
The framework contains provisions covering risk allocation, insurance requirements, force majeure, regulatory changes, dispute resolution procedures, lender protections, project performance monitoring and anti-corruption measures.
Ewalefoh explained that disputes arising from PPP projects would follow a structured process beginning with consultations and negotiations, with possible intervention by the ICRC before proceeding to arbitration under the Arbitration and Mediation Act 2023 where necessary.
He added that the framework also incorporates contract administration mechanisms, reporting obligations and accountability measures throughout the lifecycle of concession agreements.
According to him, the objective is to create a system that guarantees certainty for government institutions, safeguards investor interests and ensures efficient service delivery for citizens.
The director-general expressed confidence that the framework would help MDAs move projects more quickly from conception to financial closure while reducing conflicts through clearer contractual provisions and stronger compliance with statutory approval procedures.
He encouraged government agencies to study the document carefully, adapt it to the specific requirements of their sectors and submit revised versions to the ICRC for regulatory review.
Ewalefoh also acknowledged the contribution of the Federal Ministry of Justice, noting that its collaboration helped ensure that the agreement aligns with constitutional provisions and existing Nigerian laws.
He said the ministry played a significant role in strengthening clauses relating to arbitration, liabilities, indemnities, force majeure events, contract termination and dispute management.
The ICRC chief further noted that the framework could improve access to alternative financing options, including pension funds, Sukuk instruments, green bonds and blended finance arrangements.
He expressed optimism that the agreement would foster a more transparent, efficient and investor-friendly PPP environment capable of supporting Nigeria’s long-term infrastructure ambitions.
Participants at the engagement session included representatives of government agencies, development organisations, legal professionals, financial institutions and private sector investors who reviewed the framework and discussed its implementation prospects.