“Nigeria Approves N4.2 Trillion for Major Road Infrastructure Projects”
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a monumental N4.2 trillion for road infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing connectivity, improving safety, and supporting economic growth across Nigeria. The approval was announced by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, following the council’s meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu on Monday in Abuja.
The approved contracts will span several states and focus on new constructions, rehabilitating deteriorating sections, and expanding critical routes. A significant shift in many of the projects is the move towards the use of concrete pavement, which is expected to offer more durability than traditional asphalt.
The most substantial allocation, N1.334 trillion, will go towards the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. This project covers a 130-kilometer dual carriageway that stretches from Lagos and Ogun states to Calabar and Akwa Ibom. The highway will be executed under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) framework, with a 10-year maintenance plan to ensure long-term sustainability.
Other notable approvals include 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 with concrete to guarantee durability.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway (Phase 2, Section 1) will also receive N195 billion for reconstruction under the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF), aimed at alleviating traffic congestion and improving flow along the heavily trafficked corridor.
The Abuja-Kano road project, previously handled by Julius Berger, has been restructured into two lots. The total length of the project is now 118 km, with additional extensions to improve the road network. Notably, solar street lighting will be included throughout the project, with different sections utilizing concrete and asphalt for construction.
The Lokoja-Benin road will undergo extensive reconstruction using concrete for all three sections, totaling N305 billion. This includes the Obajana to Benin section (N64 billion), the Auchi to Edo section (N110 billion), and the Benin Airport area section (N131 billion).
Additionally, the Federal Government has allocated N3.571 billion for an in-depth structural assessment of the Third Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge in Lagos. This evaluation aims to prevent further deterioration of these vital infrastructure pieces, following past assessments from 2009 and 2013.
Several smaller road projects were also approved, such as the N5.4 billion Ado-Ekiti–Igede Road in Ekiti State and the N22 billion rehabilitation of the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway, which will enhance trade within the southeastern region. In Kaduna State, the Musasa-Jos route received N18 billion for road safety improvements.
Umahi emphasized that the use of concrete for the new projects will result in cost savings and increased durability. “Concrete roads are not only more durable but also cost-effective in the long run,” he explained.
The minister also addressed concerns regarding previously terminated contracts, particularly with Julius Berger, explaining that cost-saving measures have been negotiated. Equipment from prior contractors will be repurposed to avoid unnecessary costs.
Furthermore, Umahi dismissed media reports about fake companies securing contracts, assuring Nigerians that only credible contractors had been selected. “We’ve resolved misunderstandings with key stakeholders to ensure transparency. The companies handling these projects are legitimate and well-equipped,” he assured.
In a related development, FEC also approved road projects worth N159.5 billion for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). These include major projects such as the construction of the Bus Terminal Access Road in Mabushi (N30.97 billion) and the Arterial Road from Wuye District to Ring Road II (N62.5 billion).
The Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, confirmed that these projects align with the FCT administration’s commitment to urban expansion and connectivity. The approved projects are expected to be completed within the specified timelines to enhance mobility and drive economic growth in the capital.
With these historic investments, the Federal Government is taking significant steps towards transforming Nigeria’s road infrastructure, creating jobs, and fostering economic development across the country.
