On Mar. 4, the Federal Executive Council approved six major road projects across Nigeria to improve transportation and infrastructure in different parts of the country.
The approvals were made during the council meeting in Abuja, which was presided over by Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed the decisions while speaking to journalists after the meeting.
He said the projects include the reconstruction and rehabilitation of several important highways that connect different states.
One of the major projects approved is the reconstruction of the Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa Road, a 103-kilometre dual carriageway, which was awarded for about ₦427 billion.
According to the minister, the road project was first awarded by the previous government but little work was done before the current administration came into office. Because of that, the project was reviewed and later re-awarded so the work can move faster.
Another project approved is the Kano–Kongolam Road, which covers 132 kilometres and connects Kano State, Jigawa State, and Katsina State.
Umahi explained that the road was first planned as an asphalt road but the government has now redesigned it as a three-lane concrete carriageway. The new design will also include solar-powered streetlights and CCTV cameras to improve safety along the road. The project was approved at about ₦334 billion.
The council also approved Phase Two of the Keffi–Nasarawa–Abaji Road, which involves the rehabilitation of 129.3 kilometres of road at a cost of about ₦203 billion.
According to the minister, the project will improve movement between Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory.
Another approval was for the completion of the Suleja–Minna Road project. The remaining 71 kilometres of the dual carriageway will now be completed at a cost of about ₦91 billion.
Umahi explained that the road was originally awarded to Salini Construction Company, but the contract was later terminated because the company did not perform well. Only 10 kilometres of the road was completed before the contract was cancelled.
He said the government has now decided to complete the remaining part of the road. One section has already been awarded to China Geo-Engineering Corporation, while the second carriageway has received approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement.
The council also approved work on the Carter Bridge in Lagos. The government plans to demolish the existing bridge and build a new one after technical checks showed that the current structure can no longer be repaired.
Umahi said the contract for the detailed design and preparation for the demolition and reconstruction of the bridge was awarded for about ₦5.6 billion. The design work will be handled by Advanced Engineering Consultants.
Another project approved by the council is the reconstruction of an 86-kilometre section of the Abuja–Lokoja Road, which was damaged in some areas.
The project, valued at about ₦146 billion, will involve several contractors, including Julius Berger Nigeria.
According to the Minister of Works, these road projects are part of the federal government’s plan to improve major highways across Nigeria and make transportation easier for citizens and businesses.
