FG approves N57 billion road projects

By Lawrence Olaoye

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) chaired by President Goodluck Jonathan has awarded contracts worth N57.34billion for the rehabilitation, construction and review of different roads across the federation.

The FEC approved the award of contract for the rehabilitation of the outstanding section of Onitsha-Enugu Expressway: Amansea-Enugu in Enugu State in favour of Messrs RCC Nigeria Limited in the sum of N24.243billion with a completion period of 36 months.

Briefing journalists after the council meeting, Supervising Minister of Information, Nurudeen Mohammed, said there is a budgetary provision of N400million in the ministry’s 2014 appropriation and N11billion under SURE-P 2014 appropriation which is adequate for the takeoff of the project.

The project is expected to generate employment for not less than 25 engineers, 100 skilled and 435 semi-skilled workers in the course of execution.

Approval was also given for the award of contracts for the rehabilitation of Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Birni Yauri-Kontagora-Makera Road in Sokoto, Kebbi and Niger States and Vandeikya-Obudu Cattle Ranch in Benue and Cross River State.

The projects upon completion will enhance socioeconomic activities as it passes through rich agricultural lands in Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Benue and Cross Rivers and links Benue State to the famous Obudu Cattle Ranch, a major tourist destination in Nigeria.

There is a budgetary provision of N1.8billion in the ministry’s 2014 appropriation for the projects and the balance of funds for the project will be provided for in the ministry’s subsequent budgets.

Nurudeen who briefed alongside the Ministers of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, Transport, Idris Umar and Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga said Council also approved the award of contract for the construction of Berth 21 at Terminal ‘E’ Lagos Port Complex , Apapa, Lagos in favour of Messrs Greenview Development (Nigeria) Limited in the sum of USD 59,690,106.00 ( fifty nine million, six hundred and ninety thousand, one hundred and six dollars) including all taxes at the prevailing exchange rate, at the time of payment , for the construction of the project within the unexpired term of the company’s concession period of 25 years on Design, Build, Operate and Transfer (DBOT) basis, with a completion period of 18 months.

Council further approved the award of contract for the construction of Inland River Port at Makurdi, Benue State in favour Messrs Evomec Global Services Limited in the sum of N3,807,933,178,.75 (Three billion, Eight Hundred and Seven Million, Nine Hundred and Seventy eight naira , seventy five kobo), inclusive of all taxes with a completion period of 18 months.