The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a number of major road and bridge projects across the country, including the reconstruction of critical highways and the redesign of the Carter Bridge in Lagos.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this while briefing State House Correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday following the FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Umahi explained that the Council approved six key infrastructure projects designed to enhance road connectivity, ease transportation, and strengthen Nigeria’s national transport network.
Among the projects approved is the completion of the long-abandoned Suleja–Minna Road, which was initially awarded to Salini Construction Company but later terminated due to unsatisfactory performance.
The Minister explained that only about 10 kilometres of the road had been completed before the contract was revoked.
He stated that the Federal Government has now resolved to complete the remaining 71 kilometres of the dual carriageway, with one carriageway awarded to China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC) at a cost of ₦91 billion.
Umahi further disclosed that the second carriageway has already secured the necessary clearance from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that the road be constructed using reinforced concrete technology to ensure greater durability and longevity.
The Council also approved ₦5.6 billion for the design and cost evaluation of a proposed new Carter Bridge in Lagos.
The minister explained that following extensive technical assessments and stakeholder consultations, it was determined that the existing bridge structure can no longer undergo rehabilitation and would have to be demolished and replaced with a new facility.
The 132-kilometre transport corridor connecting Kano, Jigawa and Katsina states has undergone a major redesign, shifting from the initially proposed asphalt pavement to a three-lane reinforced concrete dual carriageway.
According to the Minister, the upgraded plan will incorporate solar-powered street lighting and closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance systems to improve safety and security along the route. The total cost of the revised project is projected at ₦334 billion.
The Council also sanctioned the reconstruction of the Abuja–Lokoja Highway following the termination of contracts earlier awarded to two contractors over unsatisfactory performance.
Umahi explained that the affected 86-kilometre stretch will now be rebuilt using reinforced concrete technology and executed by five contractors, including Julius Berger, which is already handling other portions of the corridor.
The reconstruction project is estimated to require ₦146 billion.
Similarly, the council approved the reconstruction of the Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa Road, a 103-kilometre dual carriageway valued at ₦427 billion.
Umahi said the project was awarded by the previous administration but recorded little progress before the current government reviewed and re-awarded the contract.
He noted that the Governor of Osun State had already completed about five kilometres of the road as part of the state’s infrastructure development programme.
FEC also approved Phase Two of the Keffi–Nasarawa–Abaji Road rehabilitation project, covering 129.3 kilometres at a cost of ₦203 billion.
According to the minister, the road will significantly improve connectivity between Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory.
Umahi further disclosed that the Federal Government plans to commission at least four major road projects in each of the six geopolitical zones by May 15.
“We are presenting a minimum of four completed projects in each zone for presidential commissioning by May 15. These are not palliative works; they are major infrastructure projects”, he said.