The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N885 billion for 10 road projects aimed at upgrading Nigeria’s road networks and bridges across the various states.
The Minister of Works, Mr. David Umahi, announced this after the FEC meeting on Monday in Abuja, chaired by President Bola Tinubu.
According to Umahi, the approved projects include the reconstruction of three sections of the Lokoja-Benin road, with a total cost of over N305 billion.
He said:”The project will be carried out in concrete and includes: Obajana to Benin (Section I): N64 billion, Auchi to Edo (Section II): N110 billion, Benin Airport to Edo (Section III): N131 billion.”
The FEC also approved N252 billion for the Abuja-Kano highway, which has been restructured into two main sections. Umahi noted that most of the project will be constructed with concrete, incorporating solar lighting along its 118-kilometre stretch.
Other approved projects include the reconstruction of the Second Niger Bridge access roads in Delta and Anambra states, with a contract sum of ₦470.9 billion for the Delta section and N148 billion for the Anambra section.
Additionally, the FEC approved funds for the Onitsha-Owerri expressway, Musasa-Jos-Kaduna road, Abia and Enugu state road rehabilitation, and the Lagos-Ibadan expressway (phase II, section I).
Umahi emphasized the federal government’s focus on implementing cost-effective solutions, particularly by shifting major road projects to concrete construction, which is expected to offer greater durability and long-term cost savings.
He highlighted the ministry’s success in renegotiating project costs, stating that by using concrete for key sections, the ministry has achieved substantial savings compared to previous projections.
Mrs. Mariya Bunkure, the Minister of State for the FCT, announced that the FEC also approved an investment of N159.5 billion for five major infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the road networks and transportation systems within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
They include the construction of a bus terminal in Mabushi, the Arterial Road N1, the Kuje-Gwagwalada dual carriageway project, the rehabilitation of Old Keffi Road, and an access road to the Renewed Hope Cities and Estate Project in Kasana West District.
Bunkure promised that the contracts would be closely monitored to ensure timely delivery and adherence to quality standards.
She said the infrastructure plan supports Tinubu’s broader vision for urban development and connectivity in Nigeria’s capital, demonstrating a commitment to tackle long-standing infrastructure gaps and foster economic growth in both urban and satellite regions.
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