Nigeria To See New Road Projects As FEC Approves Over N2tn Funding Across 10 States

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved about N2.078 trillion for road infrastructure across 10 states as part of the Federal Government’s drive to expand and modernise Nigeria’s transport network.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved 23 major road projects covering Adamawa, Taraba, Ebonyi, Kwara, Cross River, Kogi, Lagos, Niger, Oyo and Plateau states, Minister of Works, David Umahi told State House Correspondents yesterday.
He said the programme targets construction and rehabilitation of strategic corridors to boost connectivity, ease movement of people and goods and stimulate economic activity.

Umahi also said FEC ratified a presidential approval to augment by N15 billion, a road contract awarded in 2022 in Gashua, Yobe State, citing higher costs of construction materials. Also, the council approved N15.246 billion for Phase II of the Yola–Fufore–Gurin Road after the completion of Phase I.

FEC approved the full business case for its operation and maintenance under a modified Swiss challenge procurement, on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, Umahi said.

The ministry was directed by President Bola Tinubu to go ahead with the procurement for the reconstruction of the deteriorating portions using the concrete pavement technology to improve safety and increase the longevity of the roads.

The council also approved the reconstruction of about 400.9 kilometres of federal roads under a tax credit scheme to be executed by the Dangote Group at a cost of N1.8325 trillion. This package supersedes an earlier contract in 2022, and is expected to fast-track delivery of vital road infrastructure.

Umahi added that the first 118-kilometre section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway, valued at N137 billion was complete, while the remaining 164 kilometres are due for completion in November.

In a separate development, the Federal Government approved N34.398 billion for the construction of an airstrip in Gboko, Benue State.

The contract was awarded to CCECC Nigeria Limited, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo said. The facility would serve agricultural operations, strengthen security and support humanitarian and emergency medical services in the area, he said.

The Council also approved maritime infrastructure and safety projects to the tune of about N286 billion to modernise port operations, enhance maritime safety and protect Nigeria’s marine environment.

The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, who spoke on behalf of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, said the council approved four strategic initiatives to boost port efficiency, enhance navigational safety and improve environmental protection across coastal and inland waterways.

He said the FEC had approved the procurement of two pollution-control vessels at a cost of about N59.05 billion to tackle plastic pollution and other marine waste in Nigerian waters, creeks and inland channels, and to enhance navigational safety.

The council also approved the procurement of six pilot cutter boats at N80.03 billion. The vessels will transport marine pilots to and from ships, assist navigation through port channels and assist coordination with the Nigerian Ports Authority.

The FEC also approved two firefighting boats valued at about N34.06 billion (about US$16 million) to boost emergency response to fires on vessels, oil terminals, jetties and other port facilities.

Lawal added that the council approved N112.85 billion for capital and maintenance dredging of the Escravos Channel under a public-private partnership between the Nigerian Ports Authority and private sector operators. The dredging aims to improve access to the channel, remove obstacles, strengthen pollution surveillance, maintain navigational aids and increase overall maritime safety and efficiency.

The minister said the four approvals were a strategic investment in Nigeria’s blue economy to improve navigational safety, enhance port performance, protect the marine ecosystem and create economic opportunities.