FEC approves N2.08trn road projects, N286bn maritime infrastructure upgrades

THE Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved projects worth more than N2.3 trillion covering roads, maritime infrastructure and aviation, as the Nigerian government ramps up investment in transport infrastructure across the country.

Briefing State House correspondents after Monday’s FEC meeting in Abuja, Minister of Works, Eng David Umahi, said the council approved about N2.08 trillion for 23 road projects spread across 10 states. The projects are located in Adamawa, Taraba, Ebonyi, Kwara, Cross River, Kogi, Lagos, Niger, Oyo and Plateau, and are expected to improve connectivity, ease the movement of people and goods, and stimulate economic activities.

The council also endorsed a presidential approval to revise the cost of a road contract awarded in 2022 for Gashua in Yobe State. Umahi explained that the contract received an additional N15 billion due to the rising cost of construction materials.

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FEC further approved N15.25 billion for the second phase of the Yola–Fufore–Gurin road project following the completion of the first phase.

On the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the minister disclosed that the council approved the full business case for the road’s operation and maintenance under a modified Swiss Challenge procurement model. He added that President Bola Tinubu has directed the ministry to immediately commence procurement for the reconstruction of failed sections of the highway using concrete pavement technology to improve durability and road safety.

Umahi also announced the approval of the reconstruction of about 400.9 kilometres of federal highways under a tax credit scheme to be executed by the Dangote Group at a cost of N1.83 trillion. According to him, the arrangement replaces an earlier contract awarded in 2022 and is expected to accelerate the completion of strategic road projects.

Providing updates on ongoing works, the minister said the first 118-kilometre section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway, valued at N137 billion, has been completed, while the remaining 164 kilometres are scheduled for completion by November.

In the aviation sector, FEC approved N34.4 billion for the construction of an airstrip in Gboko, Benue State. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Barr Festus Keyamo, said the contract was awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Nigeria Limited.

Keyamo said the proposed airstrip will support agricultural development, improve security operations and strengthen humanitarian and emergency medical services in the area.

FEC clears N286bn maritime projects

The council also approved maritime infrastructure and safety projects valued at about N286 billion.

Speaking through Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Gboyega Oyetola said the approvals cover 4 major projects designed to improve port efficiency, maritime safety and environmental protection.

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Among the approvals is the procurement of two pollution-control vessels worth about N59.05 billion to strengthen marine pollution response and enhance navigational safety.

FEC also approved the acquisition of 6 pilot cutter boats valued at about N80.03 billion to facilitate the movement of marine pilots and improve navigation within port channels.

In addition, the council approved the purchase of 2 firefighting boats at a cost of about N34.06 billion to bolster emergency response capabilities for vessel fires, oil terminals, jetties and other port facilities.

The minister further disclosed that FEC approved N112.85 billion for the capital and maintenance dredging of the Escravos Channel through a public-private partnership involving the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and private sector operators.

According to Oyetola, the dredging project will improve access to the channel, eliminate navigational constraints, strengthen pollution surveillance and enhance overall maritime safety and operational efficiency.