By Egena Sunday Ode
The Federal Government has approved N885 billion for the execution of 10 critical infrastructure projects aimed at upgrading Nigeria’s road networks and bridges across various states.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this on Monday after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Among the key projects approved is the reconstruction of three sections of the Lokoja-Benin Road, a crucial corridor 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.
Umahi said another significant approval is for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, covering 130 kilometers of dual carriageway from Calabar through Akwa Ibom.
He said the project, valued at N1.334 trillion, is divided into multiple sections to fast-track its completion, with ongoing construction in Lagos and Ogun states.
In addition, the minister said FEC approved N252 billion for the Abuja-Kano Highway, which has been restructured and divided into two key sections. Section 1 extends from the FCT boundary to Niger State, with scope increased by 5.71 kilometers, while Section 3 covers areas in Kano State with an extended scope of 17 kilometers.
He said the majority of the project will be built using concrete, with solar lighting installations along its 118-kilometer stretch.
The council also gave the green light for the reconstruction of the Second Niger Bridge access roads in Delta and Anambra states.
The Delta section is set to be constructed using concrete for a contract sum of N470.9 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
In Lagos, he said FEC approved N3.571 billion for a comprehensive evaluation of the Third Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge. The assessment will involve investigating the structural integrity of underwater piles and providing solutions to prevent further deterioration.
Another crucial project is the continuation of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway (Phase II, Section I), approved at N195 billion.
Minister Umahi noted that the federal government is committed to ensuring cost-effective solutions, especially by transitioning several major road projects to concrete construction, which is expected to be more durable and cost-efficient in the long term.
He highlighted the ministry’s success in renegotiating project costs, saying, “By adopting concrete for key sections, we have saved significant costs compared to previous projections.”
Umahi also addressed concerns about delays and structural issues on some roads, including sections of the Abuja-Lokoja Road, assuring that contractors have been tasked with rectifying the problems.
“We are not accepting excuses such as high temperatures for road failures. The affected sections are being redone with proper oversight,” he said.
