The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved road and bridge projects totaling N2.38 trillion across the country on Monday, with plans to release a state-by-state ledger of projects exceeding N10 billion in the coming weeks.
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, shared the details during a briefing with State House Correspondents following the FEC meeting led by President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.
Key projects include the Abuja Road Section I (118 km, N286 billion), Abuja Road Section II (164 km, N502 billion), Abuja-Kano Road (72 km, N450 billion), the Nembe Bridge (N156 billion), and the Sokoto-Badagry corridor, Section 2 to Kebbi (228 km, three lanes, N961 billion).
Additionally, two adjustments were approved: an extra N11.42 billion for the completion of the Lagos-Shagamu-Ijebu-Ode-Ore project and N8.94 billion for revisions in Niger State, bringing the total approved amount to N2.38 trillion.
Umahi detailed the cash flow, noting that the Presidency has released N75 billion for Abuja Section I (30% of N286 billion), around N150 billion for Abuja Section II, N45 billion for Abuja-Kano, and N46.8 billion for the Nembe Bridge, totaling approximately N316.8 billion in documented releases.
He also mentioned a $22 billion Abuja County application project that has received a 30% payment in dollars, along with funds released for all four sections of the Bauchi-Gombe road, with further Sukuk disbursements to Gombe where construction has begun.
Umahi emphasized that these projects will stimulate economic growth by enhancing connectivity and reducing logistics costs. He pointed to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, stating that the first section is 85% complete and already benefiting the Lagos economy.
Regarding the Lagos-Calabar sections 4A and 4B, which extend into Ogun and Ondo states, he explained that the project involves significant earthworks to prevent flooding in swampy areas. The total contract sum for this phase is N1.65 trillion.
He also outlined new and revised approvals, including the Biu-Numan road in Adamawa, which has been extended from 45 km to 61.76 km, and updates for the Sokoto-Badagry project.
In response to last week’s Keffi Flyover tragedy, Umahi expressed condolences and confirmed that the Federal Government has compensated affected families and initiated reconstruction.
The minister announced plans to publish a comprehensive list of projects and their statuses, emphasizing readiness for public scrutiny on infrastructure developments.
Meanwhile, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, reported that the Council approved airport projects worth N919.10 billion under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, with major upgrades planned for Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.
Keyamo detailed that the MMIA’s International Terminal 1 will undergo a complete rebuild, with all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems replaced, ensuring a comprehensive renovation rather than superficial fixes. The rehabilitation is expected to cost N712.24 billion and take 22 months to complete.
Additional airport projects include a security perimeter and upgrades at other key airports, including Malam Aminu Kano International Airport and Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo International Airport, with total expenditures aimed at improving operational efficiency.
The Council also approved two major electrification projects totaling N213.7 billion to enhance energy access in universities, teaching hospitals, and rural communities. The first project, valued at N145 billion, aims to provide reliable power to public universities through the Energising Education Programme.
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, noted that many institutions face severe electricity challenges, and this initiative will improve educational and healthcare delivery across the country.
The second project, costing N68.7 billion, focuses on bringing solar power to rural communities and agribusiness clusters lacking grid access, with a completion timeline of three months.
Adelabu emphasized that these off-grid renewable energy solutions align with the Tinubu administration’s goals of fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development.
“The approvals made today underscore President Tinubu’s dedication to transformative investments in power infrastructure that will significantly enhance lives, education, healthcare, and productivity,” stated Adelabu.
