The Federal Executive Council, FEC, has approved projects valued at more than N2 trillion to accelerate the development of Nigeria’s road, aviation, port and maritime infrastructure, in line with the Federal Government’s drive to improve transportation, enhance connectivity and stimulate economic growth.
The approvals were announced after Monday’s FEC meeting in Abuja by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, alongside the Ministers of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola.
Speaking to State House correspondents, Umahi said the council approved approximately N2.08 trillion for the construction and rehabilitation of 23 road projects spread across Adamawa, Taraba, Ebonyi, Kwara, Cross River, Kogi, Lagos, Niger, Oyo and Plateau states. He explained that the projects are designed to improve road connectivity, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and support economic activities across the country.
The council also endorsed a presidential approval for an additional N15 billion on a road project in Gashua, Yobe State, awarded in 2022, to accommodate rising construction costs resulting from inflation.
In another approval, FEC sanctioned N15.25 billion for the second phase of the Yola–Fufore–Gurin Road following the successful completion of the first phase.
Umahi further disclosed that the council approved the Full Business Case for the operation and maintenance of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway under a modified Swiss Challenge procurement model.
He added that President Bola Tinubu has directed the Ministry of Works to immediately commence procurement for the reconstruction of failed sections of the highway using concrete pavement technology to improve durability and road safety.
The minister also announced the approval of N1.83 trillion for the reconstruction of about 400.9 kilometres of federal roads under a tax credit arrangement to be executed by the Dangote Group. According to him, the new approval replaces an earlier contract awarded in 2022 and is expected to fast-track the delivery of critical road infrastructure.
Providing updates on ongoing projects, Umahi said the first 118-kilometre section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Highway, valued at N137 billion, has been completed, while work on the remaining 164 kilometres is expected to be concluded by November.
Meanwhile, the council approved N34.4 billion for the construction of an airstrip in Gboko, Benue State.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the project has been awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, CCECC, Nigeria Limited.
He noted that the airstrip would support agricultural development, strengthen security operations, and improve emergency medical and humanitarian response services within the area.
The Federal Executive Council also approved maritime infrastructure and safety projects worth approximately N286 billion.
Representing the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, at the briefing, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, said the approvals cover four strategic projects aimed at enhancing port efficiency, maritime safety and environmental sustainability.
According to him, FEC approved about N59.05 billion for the procurement of two pollution-control vessels to combat marine pollution and improve navigational safety.
The council also approved N80.03 billion for the acquisition of six pilot cutter boats, which will facilitate the transportation of marine pilots and improve navigation within Nigeria’s port channels.
Additionally, N34.06 billion was approved for the purchase of two firefighting boats to strengthen emergency response capabilities for fires involving ships, oil terminals, jetties and other port infrastructure.
Lawal further disclosed that FEC approved N112.85 billion for the capital and maintenance dredging of the Escravos Channel under a public-private partnership involving the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, and private sector operators.
He explained that the dredging project is expected to improve navigational access, remove channel obstructions, strengthen pollution monitoring and significantly enhance the safety and efficiency of maritime operations in the country.
