FG approves N759 bln for Obajana-Benin, Isheri-Ogun road projects

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has given the green light for the allocation of N759 billion for the construction of roads linking Obajana to Benin and Isheri in Lagos to Ogun State.

The FEC, presided over by President Bola Tinubu, also gave approval for the allocation of N873.23 billion towards implementing three projects nationwide.

Briefing State House correspondents after the meeting, the Minister of Works, Mr. David Umahi, said that the increase in cement prices has nothing to do with the ministry’s concrete road policy.

Umahi disclosed that funds have been allocated for various road projects, including additional funding for the Obajana-Benin dualization, the Isheri-Ogun Road, and the Outer Marina Shoreline Protection.

He said: “Today we have got augmentation approved for Obajana in Lokoja to Benin Road, a total of 244 km and 489 km dualized. Recall that in 2012, this project was awarded to four contractors: CGC, Mothercat, Dantata & Sawoe, and RCC, at a total cost of N122 billion, and that was for light rehabilitation.

“Around 2018, the past administration reviewed the project and dualized it, and that’s why you have a total of 489 km and now have ‘No-Objection’ from the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPP).

“When I came on board in August, we were supposed to present the ‘no-objection to FEC in line with due process, and we decided to review the project, one, to determine whether the dualization was desirable in view of the economic challenges, and two, to see the texture of the soil and what to do.

“We had to restore the project now, but we didn’t increase the cost. We got approval for argumentation from N122 billion to N897 billion.

“The contractors were off-site because they would not be working and they would not be paid based on the new basic rate. We got them back to the site, and today (yesterday), we got approval.”

The Council also gave its approval for the allocation of N2.23 billion to the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency. This funding will be utilized towards the repair and maintenance of the road infrastructure connecting Isheri North to Ogun State.

“Now, under FERMA, we got approval for the construction of the Isheri North, Lagos route, which is to connect Ogun State. This is an alternative route to Lagos-Shagamu Road, and we are going to toll this Lagos-Shagamu road when completed. But by law, you can only toll a federal road when you have an alternative.

“This approval of about N2.23 billion to connect Isheri North to Ogun State is a breakthrough that has freed the Lagos-Shagamu for tolling.”