In a pivotal move to transform Nigeria’s road networks and drive economic growth, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday approved a staggering N733 billion for various road and bridge projects across the country.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, revealed the exciting developments during a briefing, highlighting key projects that will enhance connectivity and facilitate smoother travel for millions of Nigerians.
A standout project in the approval is the dualisation of the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Road in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, with a budget of N55 billion.
Umahi explained that this contract was re-awarded to Decon Construction Nigeria Limited after cost disputes with a previous contractor led to a reprocurement. This project is expected to significantly improve transportation between these two states, easing traffic flow and promoting economic activities in the region.
Another major initiative is the dualisation of the Ibadan-Ilorin Road (Section Two) in Oyo State, with a contract value of N147 billion. Notably, the project will feature reinforced concrete pavement for added durability, ensuring the road’s longevity and minimizing maintenance costs in the future.
Perhaps the most ambitious of the approved projects is the completion of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road (Section Two), a critical 164-kilometer stretch valued at an eye-watering N507 billion. InfoWest Nigeria Limited won the competitive bid for the contract and is already working on Sections One and Three of the project. This vast stretch of road will enhance movement across the northern region, improving trade, accessibility, and regional integration.
Additionally, a crucial flyover project at Abakpa in Enugu, near the 82 Division, has been approved at a cost of N24 billion. The flyover aims to alleviate traffic congestion in this heavily trafficked area, with CCECC appointed as the contractor.
Minister Umahi also addressed concerns regarding the regional distribution of road projects, dismissing allegations that the Tinubu administration is favoring the southern region. “Let me clarify, project approvals are based on memos submitted to FEC.
The President is committed to completing all inherited projects, regardless of region,” he stated firmly. He further explained that while some projects might appear region-specific, the allocation is entirely based on the submissions received and the necessity of the projects themselves.
“The projects we approve here are not about favoring one region over another,” Umahi continued. “If a project memo is brought to FEC, we review and approve it based on its merit and need. If tomorrow a large-scale project is approved for the South East, it should not be viewed as preferential treatment.”
Umahi reiterated that many of the projects currently being approved are those inherited from previous administrations. He stressed that the President is determined to complete all these projects, regardless of their regional origin. “Even though some of these inherited projects were not equitably distributed in the past, President Tinubu is committed to seeing them through to completion,” he affirmed.
With the approval of these groundbreaking infrastructure projects, the federal government is taking a significant step toward improving Nigeria’s transportation networks, stimulating regional economies, and ensuring smoother, safer travel for citizens across the nation. The road to a more connected Nigeria is now more promising than ever.
