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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved about N2.078 trillion for road infrastructure across 10 states as part of the Federal Government’s drive to expand and modernise Nigeria’s transport network.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, told State House Correspondents yesterday that FEC cleared 23 major road projects spanning Adamawa, Taraba, Ebonyi, Kwara, Cross River, Kogi, Lagos, Niger, Oyo and Plateau states.
He said the programme targets construction and rehabilitation of strategic corridors to boost connectivity, ease the movement of people and goods, and stimulate economic activity.
Umahi also said FEC ratified a presidential approval to augment by N15 billion, a 2022‑awarded road contract in Gashua, Yobe State, citing higher construction material costs. In addition, the council approved N15.246 billion for Phase II of the Yola–Fufore–Gurin Road following the completion of Phase I.
On the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, Umahi said FEC approved the full business case for its operation and maintenance under a modified Swiss challenge procurement.
President Bola Tinubu directed the ministry to proceed with procurement for the reconstruction of deteriorating sections using concrete pavement technology to enhance safety and longevity.
The council also approved the reconstruction of about 400.9 kilometres of federal roads under a tax credit arrangement to be executed by the Dangote Group at a cost of N1.8325 trillion. The package replaces an earlier 2022 contract and is expected to accelerate delivery of key road infrastructure.
Umahi added that the first 118‑kilometre section of the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano highway, valued at N137 billion was complete, while the remaining 164 kilometres are due for completion in November.
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Separately, the Federal Government approved N34.398 billion for the construction of an airstrip in Gboko, Benue State.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the contract was awarded to CCECC Nigeria Limited. He said the facility would serve agricultural operations, strengthen security and support humanitarian and emergency medical services in the area.
The Council also approved maritime infrastructure and safety projects worth about N286 billion to modernise port operations, strengthen maritime safety and protect Nigeria’s marine environment.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal said the council approved four strategic initiatives to boost port efficiency, enhance navigational safety and improve environmental protection across coastal and inland waterways.
He said FEC authorised the purchase of two pollution-control vessels for roughly N59.05 billion to tackle plastic pollution and other marine waste in Nigerian waters, creeks and inland channels, and to improve navigational safety.
The council also approved the acquisition of six pilot cutter boats at N80.03 billion. The vessels will ferry marine pilots to and from ships, aid navigation through port channels and support coordination with the Nigerian Ports Authority.
In addition, FEC granted approval for two firefighting boats valued at about N34.06 billion (approximately US$16 million) to strengthen emergency response to fires on vessels, oil terminals, jetties and other port facilities.
Lawal further said the council approved N112.85 billion for capital and maintenance dredging of the Escravos Channel under a public-private partnership between the Nigerian Ports Authority and private sector operators. The dredging is intended to improve channel access, remove obstructions, bolster pollution surveillance, maintain navigational aids and raise overall maritime safety and efficiency.
The minister described the four approvals as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s blue economy that will enhance navigational safety, boost port performance, protect the marine ecosystem and create economic opportunities.
