FEC approves N885bn for 10 major road projects

The federal executive council (FEC), presided over by President Bola Tinubu, has approved N885 billion for the execution of 10 road projects.

Speaking after the FEC meeting on Monday in Abuja, David Umahi, minister of works, said the projects are aimed at upgrading Nigeria’s road networks and bridges across various states.

He highlighted additional major projects approved, including the reconstruction of three sections of the Lokoja-Benin road, an important route for trade and transportation.

“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 total cost of this project alone is over N305 billion,” the minister said.

He added that FEC approved N252 billion for the Abuja-Kano highway, which has been restructured into two main sections.

According to Umahi, section one extends from the FCT boundary to Niger state, with an additional 5.71 kilometres, while section two covers areas in Kano state, with a 17-kilometre expansion.

He said most of the project will be constructed with concrete, incorporating solar lighting along its 118-kilometre stretch.

“The council also gave the green light for the reconstruction of the Second Niger Bridge access roads in Delta and Anambra states,” he said.

“The Delta section is set to be constructed using concrete for a contract sum of ₦470.9 billion, while the Anambra section will cost N148 billion.

“Further approvals include: Onitsha-Owerri expressway: N22 billion, Musasa-Jos-Kaduna road: N18 billion, Abia and Enugu state road rehabilitation: N12.75 billion.”

FEC APPROVES N3BN FOR EVALUATION OF BRIDGES IN LAGOS 

For Lagos, he announced that FEC approved N3.571 billion for a thorough evaluation of the Third Mainland and Carter Bridges.

Umahi said the assessment will focus on examining the structural integrity of the underwater piles and identifying measures to prevent further deterioration.

Another key project is the continuation of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway (phase II, section I), approved with a budget of N195 billion.

Umahi noted that the federal government is focused 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 praised 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.

Addressing concerns about delays and structural issues on some roads, including sections of the Abuja-Lokoja road, the minister assured that contractors have been assigned to fix the issues.

“We are not accepting excuses such as high temperatures for road failures. The affected sections are being redone with proper oversight,” he said.

FEC APPROVES N159BN FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN ABUJA

Also speaking, Mariya Bunkure, 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.

Bunkure said one of the key projects approved is the construction of a bus terminal in Mabushi, awarded to Setraco Nigeria Limited for N30.97 billion.

The minister said the project is expected to be completed within 18 months and is part of a larger initiative to enhance urban mobility in Abuja.

“Another critical project is the Arterial Road N1, which will connect Wuye District to Ring Road II. Valued at N62.5 billion, this contract has been awarded to Arab Contractors Nigeria Limited and is projected to take 20 months to complete,” the minister said.

“Additionally, the government has sanctioned the Kuje-Gwagwalada dual carriageway project, aimed at enhancing connectivity between key satellite towns.

“This project, costing ₦7.5 billion, has been awarded to Gilmo Engineering Nigeria Limited.

“The rehabilitation of Old Keffi Road, a vital 15-kilometer stretch linking Kado Village to Dei-Dei, is also on the agenda with a budget of ₦26.87 billion, awarded to Lubric Construction Company Limited, set for completion in 18 months.

“Finally, an access road to the Renewed Hope Cities and Estate Project in Kasana West District has been approved for ₦31.66 billion, also awarded to Lubric Construction Company Limited with an expected completion timeline of 18 months.”

Bunkure said the infrastructure projects are aimed at improving mobility while also boosting socio-economic activities and increasing access to both residential and commercial developments across the FCT.

She assured that the contracts would be closely monitored to ensure timely delivery and adherence to quality standards.

The minister 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.