The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved over ₦43 billion for the completion of Phase II, Section II of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
Briefing journalists after Thursday’s meeting at the State House, Abuja, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, said the approval is part of a series of fresh and revised contracts nationwide aimed at accelerating critical road projects.
Umahi also gave updates on the East–West Road, which the Tinubu administration inherited at a value of ₦156 billion. The project covers two carriageways, three flyovers, and two bridges and has been restructured to ensure timely completion amid heavy traffic and improved pavement design.
“This project was awarded about five years ago but never took off. When Mr President came in, FEC terminated the earlier contract and has now re-awarded Phase II, Section II for ₦43 billion. It includes underpasses, concrete pavements, ramps, and adjoining roads,” Umahi explained.
He added that one carriageway has been completed, while work on the second is 30% done. New flyovers at Abuloma and Refinery Junctions in Rivers State will also be presented for approval before the end of the month.
The minister said the revised contract now includes additional infrastructure — such as flyovers, underpasses, and link roads — that were omitted from earlier designs.
FEC also approved a cost review for the Mushin–NNPC Junction–Apapa–Oshodi Expressway dualisation. Initially awarded for ₦11 billion in 2022, the project is now revised to ₦19.09 billion due to inflation and rising material costs. The 14.4km road is expected to enhance access to Lagos ports and industrial zones.
In addition, the Council awarded the third section of the 1,068km Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, covering the Badagry–Ogun–Oyo border segment (162.97km), to be constructed with reinforced concrete pavement at ₦3.39 billion per kilometre.
For the Ilorin–Omu Aran–Egba Road (206.7km), the project has been divided into phases for easier funding. Phase I (31km) received ₦43 billion approval, with subsequent phases to follow as funds permit.
On the Enugu–Onitsha Road (OP Junction–Ukehe–Okatu–Abu Udi–Oji–Anambra border), Phase I (35.1km) is valued at ₦28.47 billion, out of which ₦21 billion has been paid, leaving a balance of ₦7 billion.
In Ogun State, the cost of Section I (14km) of the Ota–Idiroko Road has been revised from ₦43 billion to ₦98 billion due to a switch from flexible to rigid pavement and challenges posed by high underground water levels. The 509-metre flyover with dual ramps has also been adjusted from ₦17 billion to ₦23 billion.
Similarly, FEC approved ₦30.23 billion for Phase II (42km) of the Wasasa–Turunku–Mararaba Road in Kaduna State, following the earlier ₦18 billion awarded for the first 7.8km section.
Another major project — the Ijebu Igbo–Etapa–Owoyen Road linking Ogun and Oyo States — has been extended by 7km and revalued from ₦13 billion to ₦53 billion, featuring reinforced concrete and upgraded subgrade designs.
Umahi attributed the cost adjustments to “design enhancements, tough terrain, and inflationary pressures,” noting that reinforcement steel now costs over ₦1.1 million per tonne.
He added that governors of Edo, Delta, and Abia States have taken over select federal roads in their states to ease the financial burden on the federal government and fast-track completion timelines.
“The revised approvals reflect our commitment to durable, concrete-based infrastructure that can withstand decades of use while ensuring value for money,” the minister stated.
Earlier in the day, President Bola Tinubu swore in Dr. Bernard Doro and Dr. Kingsley Udeh as ministers, formally inducting them into the Federal Executive Council.
The ceremony took place inside the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, moments before the start of the first FEC meeting since July 2025. With their swearing-in, Plateau and Enugu States regained representation in the federal cabinet after several weeks without ministers.
