The Federal Executive Council on Monday approved road infrastructure contracts worth approximately N4.2 trillion, covering key highways, bridges, and access roads across Nigeria, including those leading to the Second Niger Bridge.
Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, disclosed this during a briefing with journalists at the end of the FEC meeting, presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The projects span multiple states and aim to enhance connectivity, improve road safety, and support economic growth. They include new constructions, rehabilitation of deteriorating sections, and expansion of critical routes, with many projects shifting towards concrete pavement for durability.
The largest allocation went to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, with FEC approving N1.334 trillion for the construction of a 130-kilometer dual carriageway. This covers 65 kilometers in Lagos and Ogun states and an additional stretch starting from Calabar through Akwa Ibom. The project will be executed under an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction framework with a 10-year maintenance plan.
Umahi revealed that the Council approved N470.9 billion for the Delta State access road and N148 billion for the Anambra State access road to the Second Niger Bridge. Both roads will be constructed using concrete to ensure long-term resilience.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway (Phase 2, Section 1) received N195 billion for reconstruction under the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund, focusing on improving traffic flow and reducing congestion along the busy corridor.
The Abuja-Kano road project, previously handled by Julius Berger, has been restructured into two lots following contract termination. Lot 1 (FCT-Niger boundary) will be expanded by 5.71 km towards Kogi State, while Lot 3 (Kano section) will be extended by 17 km. The total length of the project is now 118 km, with solar street lighting planned throughout. Section 1 will be built with concrete, while Section 3 will use asphalt.
The reconstruction of three sections of the Lokoja-Benin road will be done entirely with concrete for durability at N305 billion. These include Obajana to Benin (Section I): N64 billion; Auchi to Edo (Section II): N110 billion; and Benin Airport area (Section III): N131 billion.
A contract worth N3.571 billion was approved for an extensive structural assessment of the Third Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge in Lagos. Umahi stated that this evaluation aims to prevent further deterioration, building on findings from assessments conducted in 2009 and 2013, which identified progressive structural decay.
FEC also approved the Ado-Ekiti–Igede Road Project (N5.4 billion) as part of a series of smaller road upgrades in Ekiti State to improve local connectivity and reduce travel time.
The Onitsha-Owerri expressway, allocated N22 billion, will undergo rehabilitation to ease movement between Anambra and Imo States, fostering trade within the southeastern region.
The Wusasa-Jos route (Kaduna State) was approved at N18 billion to enhance road safety and reduce travel time between Kaduna and Plateau States.
A joint project in Abia and Enugu states, worth N12.75 billion, will focus on key sections within the budget limits, addressing long-standing infrastructure gaps.
Umahi emphasized that most new projects, including the Lokoja-Benin and Abuja-Kano roads, will be constructed using reinforced concrete pavement instead of traditional asphalt.
He said, “Concrete roads are not only more durable but also cost-effective in the long run. In fact, the cost of these concrete projects is significantly cheaper than previous asphalt-based contracts rejected by some contractors.”
The minister addressed concerns about terminated contracts, particularly with Julius Berger, clarifying that the government has negotiated cost-saving measures. Equipment from previous contractors will be repurposed, avoiding unnecessary mobilization costs.
Umahi also dismissed recent media reports about fake companies being awarded contracts, assuring Nigerians that due diligence was followed in selecting credible contractors.
“We’ve resolved misunderstandings with key stakeholders, including media organizations, to ensure transparency. The companies handling these projects are legitimate and well-equipped.
“This is not just about roads; it’s about driving Nigeria’s economic transformation. We are committed to delivering durable, cost-effective infrastructure that will stand the test of time.”
FEC also approved road construction projects worth N159.5 billion for the Federal Capital Territory, targeting infrastructure development within the city and its satellite towns.
The Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, disclosed this during a post-FEC media briefing, detailing the five major projects aimed at improving accessibility and urban development.
These include:
– Bus Terminal Access Road, Mabushi: Awarded to Messrs SETRACO Nigeria Limited at N30.97 billion, with an 18-month completion period.
– Arterial Road from Wuye District to Ring Road II: Awarded to Messrs Arab Contractors Nigeria Limited at N62.5 billion, with a 20-month completion period.
– Kuje-Gwagwalada Dual Carriageway Construction: Awarded to Messrs Gilmor Engineering Nigeria Limited at N7.49 billion.
– Rehabilitation of Old Keffi Road (Kado Village to Dei Dei): Awarded to Messrs Lubric Construction Company Limited at N26.87 billion, with an 18-month completion period.
– Construction of Access Road to Renewed Hope Cities and Estates (Kasana West District): Awarded to Messrs Lubric Construction Nigeria Limited at N31.66 billion, with an 18-month completion period.
Bunkure emphasized that these projects align with the FCT administration’s commitment to urban expansion, improved road networks, and enhanced connectivity across Abuja. She assured residents that the projects would be completed within the stipulated timelines to enhance mobility and economic development in the capital.
