
By Cross Udo, Abuja
The Federal Executive Council yesterday announced the approval of road infrastructure contracts worth about N4.2trn, covering key highways and bridges across Nigeria, including access roads to the Second Niger Bridge.
Minister of Works, David Umahi disclosed this while briefing journalists at the end of the Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The Minister said the projects span several states and focus on enhancing connectivity, improving road safety, and supporting economic growth.
The contracts include new construction, rehabilitation of deteriorating sections, and expansion of critical routes. Many projects are shifting towards concrete pavement for durability.
The largest allocation went to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, with FEC approving N1.334trn for constructing a 130-kilometer dual carriageway.
This covers 65 kilometers in Lagos and Ogun states and an additional stretch starting from Calabar through Akwa Ibom.
The project will be executed under an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) framework with a 10-year maintenance plan.
Umahi said the Council approved N470.9bn for the Delta State access road and N148bn for the Anambra State access road to the Second Niger Bridge, adding that both roads will be constructed using concrete to ensure long-term resilience.
Lagos-Ibadan Expressway (Phase 2, Section 1) received N195 billion approval to undergo reconstruction under the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF). The project will focus. The project will improve traffic flow and reduce congestion along the busy corridor.
The Abuja-Kano road project, previously handled by Julius Berger, has been restructured into two lots following contract termination. Lot 1 (FCT-Niger boundary) has been expanded by 5.71 km towards Kogi State, and Lot 3 (Kano section) has been extended by 17 km.
The Minister said the project’s total length is now 118 km, and solar street lighting is planned throughout. Section 1 will be built with concrete, while Section 3 will use asphalt.
The reconstruction of three sections of the Lokoja-Benin road will be done entirely with concrete for durability, costing N305bn, including Obajana to Benin (Section I): N64bn; Auchi to Edo (Section II): N110bn, and Benin Airport area (Section III): N131bn.
A contract worth N3.571bn was approved for an extensive structural assessment of the Third Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge in Lagos.
He said this evaluation aims to prevent further deterioration, building on findings from assessments conducted in 2009 and 2013, which identified progressive structural decay.
FEC also approved the Ado-Ekiti–Igede Road Project (N5.4bn), part of a series of smaller road upgrades in Ekiti State to improve local connectivity and reduce travel time.
The Minister said the N22 billion Onitsha-Owerri expresswayn would ease movement between Anambra and Imo states, fostering trade in the southeastern region.
Wusasa-Jos route (Kaduna State) was approved at N18bn to enhance road safety and reduce travel time between Kaduna and Plateau states.
Abia and Enugu state road projects received N12.75bn in a joint project in Abia and Enugu states. The project will focus on key sections within the budget limits, addressing long-standing infrastructure gaps.
Umahi emphasised that most new projects, including the Lokoja-Benin and Abuja-Kano roads, will be constructed using reinforced concrete pavement instead of traditional asphalt.
He said, “Concrete roads are more durable and cost-effective in the long run. The cost of these concrete projects is significantly cheaper than previous asphalt-based contracts rejected by some contractors.”
The Minister addressed concerns about terminated contracts, particularly with Julius Berger, clarifying that the government has negotiated cost-saving measures. Equipment from previous contractors will be repurposed, avoiding unnecessary mobilization costs.
Umahi also dismissed recent media reports about fake companies being awarded contracts, assuring Nigerians that due diligence was followed in selecting credible contractors.
“We’ve resolved misunderstandings with key stakeholders, including media organizations, to ensure transparency. The companies handling these projects are legitimate and well-equipped.
“This is not just about roads; it’s about driving Nigeria’s economic transformation. We are committed to delivering durable, cost-effective infrastructure that will stand the test of time.”
*FCT gets 159.5bn for infrastructure developments
The FEC also approved road construction projects worth about N159.5bn for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), targeting infrastructure development within the City and its satellite towns.
The Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, disclosed this during a post-FEC media briefing, detailing the five significant projects to improve accessibility and urban development.
The projects include Bus Terminal Access Road, Mabushi, which was awarded to Messrs SETRACO Nigeria Limited for N30.97 bn and has an 18-month completion period.
The Council approved Arterial Road from Wuye District to Ring Road II, which was awarded to Messrs Arab Contractors Nigeria Limited at a cost of N62.5bn and with a completion period of 20 months.
Also approved is the Kuje-Gwagwalada dual carriageway construction to
Messrs Gilmor Engineering Nigeria Limited at N7.49bn; the rehabilitation of Old Keffi Road (Kado Village to Dei Dei) was awarded to Messrs Lubric Construction Company Limited at N26.87bn with a completion time of 18 months.
There is also a contract for constructing an access road to Renewed Hope Cities and Estates (Kasana West District) with Messrs Lubric Construction Nigeria Limited for N31.66bn, with a completion time of 18 months.
The Minister emphasised that these projects align with the FCT administration’s commitment to urban expansion, improved road networks, and enhanced connectivity across Abuja.
She said the contracts were awarded to reputable construction firms with track records of delivering quality infrastructure projects.
She assured residents that the projects would be completed within the stipulated timelines to enhance mobility and economic development in the capital.