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, , minister of works, David Umahi, said the projects are aimed at upgrading Nigeria’s road networks and bridges across various states.
“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 further said 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.
“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.”
For Lagos, he said 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.
Addressing concerns about delays and structural issues on some roads, including sections of the Abuja-Lokoja road, Umahi said 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.
