The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved road infrastructure projects worth N4.2 trillion, including access roads to the Second Niger Bridge and key highways across the country. The decision was announced on Monday by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, after a Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The projects, spanning multiple states, focus on improving road connectivity, enhancing safety, and boosting economic development. The contracts cover new road constructions, rehabilitation of existing roads, and expansion of critical highways, with a shift towards concrete pavement for durability.
Major Approved Projects
- Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway – The largest allocation of N1.334 trillion was approved for a 130km dual carriageway spanning Lagos, Ogun, and Akwa Ibom States under an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) model with a 10-year maintenance plan.
- Second Niger Bridge Access Roads – N470.9 billion was allocated for the Delta State section and N148 billion for the Anambra State section, both to be constructed using concrete for longevity.
- Lagos-Ibadan Expressway (Phase 2, Section 1) – N195 billion approved for reconstruction under the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) to ease congestion.
- Abuja-Kano Road – The contract, previously handled by Julius Berger, has been restructured into two lots:
- Lot 1 (FCT-Niger Boundary) – Expanded by 5.71km towards Kogi State.
- Lot 3 (Kano Section) – Extended by 17km with solar street lighting.
- Section 1 will be constructed using concrete, while Section 3 will use asphalt.
- Lokoja-Benin Road – N305 billion approved for full reconstruction using concrete:
- Obajana to Benin (Section I): N64 billion.
- Auchi to Edo (Section II): N110 billion.
- Benin Airport area (Section III): N131 billion.
- Third Mainland and Carter Bridge Structural Assessment – N3.571 billion approved for structural evaluations following previous findings of progressive decay.
- Ado-Ekiti–Igede Road Project – N5.4 billion allocated for improved connectivity in Ekiti State.
- Onitsha-Owerri Expressway – N22 billion approved for rehabilitation, enhancing trade links between Anambra and Imo States.
- Wusasa-Jos Route (Kaduna State) – N18 billion allocated to improve road safety and travel efficiency between Kaduna and Plateau States.
- Abia and Enugu State Road Projects – N12.75 billion approved for key infrastructure improvements in both states.
FCT Road Projects Worth N159.5 Billion
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) also received approvals for road projects totaling N159.5 billion, including:
- Bus Terminal Access Road, Mabushi – N30.97 billion (18-month completion).
- Arterial Road from Wuye District to Ring Road II – N62.5 billion (20-month completion).
- Kuje-Gwagwalada Dual Carriageway – N7.49 billion.
- Old Keffi Road Rehabilitation (Kado Village to Dei Dei) – N26.87 billion (18-month completion).
- Access Road to Renewed Hope Cities and Estates (Kasana West District) – N31.66 billion (18-month completion).
Government’s Justification and Approach
Minister Umahi emphasized that most new projects, including the Lokoja-Benin and Abuja-Kano roads, will use reinforced concrete pavement instead of asphalt, citing long-term cost-effectiveness and durability. He also addressed concerns about terminated contracts, particularly with Julius Berger, noting that the government negotiated cost-saving measures and will repurpose previous contractors’ equipment.
Umahi dismissed allegations of fake companies receiving contracts, assuring Nigerians that all awarded firms were vetted for credibility.
“This is not just about roads; it’s about driving Nigeria’s economic transformation. We are committed to delivering durable, cost-effective infrastructure that will stand the test of time,” he stated.
The Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to urban expansion, improved road networks, and enhanced connectivity within Abuja, assuring residents that all projects will be completed within the stipulated timelines.