The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has issued new guidelines to regulate the development and implementation of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects across Nigeria.
The framework, introduced under the ICRC Act 2005 and in line with a presidential directive, was unveiled at a high-level stakeholders’ engagement with ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) involved in PPPs. It aims to reform infrastructure delivery by streamlining approvals, enforcing compliance, and attracting private sector financing.
Presenting the document, ICRC Director General Dr. Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh said the reforms are aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic vision.
“These rules establish a definitive framework for the conception, development, and execution of PPP projects in Nigeria. They decentralise project approvals to empower MDAs for faster delivery while safeguarding the ICRC’s role as regulator of PPPs in Nigeria,” Ewalefoh said.
He explained that under the new framework, ministries can approve PPP projects worth up to ₦20 billion, while agencies and parastatals have authority for projects under ₦10 billion. The guidelines also outline clear processes for preparing Outline Business Cases, Full Business Cases, and financial models, while standardising procurement procedures and PPP agreements.
Also Read: Nigeria to Cut Uniform Imports with Local Factory Expansion – ICRC
“Every PPP project regardless of sector, scale, or origin must strictly comply with these provisions. Every project shall be subjected to our due diligence and compliance requirements,” the DG added.
Ewalefoh stressed that the ICRC remains a regulator and facilitator, not an operator or grantor, and will continue to coordinate negotiations between MDAs and private proponents to ensure agreements are “fair, balanced, and implementable.”
He further noted that the Presidency’s decision to devolve greater approval powers to MDAs also comes with stricter accountability and “zero tolerance for non-compliance.”
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to working with MDAs, private investors, financiers, and development partners to position Nigeria as Africa’s top destination for bankable PPP projects. Stakeholders at the event welcomed the reforms and pledged to begin immediate implementation.
