By Johnbosco Agbakwuru
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday announced the approval of about ₦2.078 trillion for road infrastructure across 10 states as part of the Federal Government’s drive to expand and modernise Nigeria’s transport network.
Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the council meeting, said 23 major road projects spanning Adamawa, Taraba, Ebonyi, Kwara, Cross River, Kogi, Lagos, Niger, Oyo and Plateau were approved.
He said the programme targets the construction and rehabilitation of strategic corridors to boost connectivity, ease the movement of people and goods, and stimulate economic activity.
Umahi also said FEC ratified a presidential approval to augment by ₦15 billion a 2022‑awarded road contract in Gashua, Yobe State, citing higher construction material costs. In addition, the council approved ₦15.246 billion for Phase II of the Yola–Fufore–Gurin Road following completion of Phase I.
On the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, Umahi said FEC approved the full business case for its operation and maintenance under a modified Swiss Challenge procurement.
President Bola Tinubu directed the ministry to proceed with procurement for the reconstruction of deteriorating sections using concrete pavement technology to enhance safety and longevity.
The council also approved the reconstruction of about 400.9 kilometres of federal roads under a tax‑credit arrangement to be executed by the Dangote Group for ₦1.8325 trillion. The package replaces an earlier 2022 contract and is expected to accelerate delivery of key road infrastructure.
Umahi added that the first 118‑kilometre section of the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano highway, valued at ₦137 billion, is complete, while the remaining 164 kilometres are due for completion in November.
