The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved infrastructure projects worth over N4.23 trillion, including N3.94 trillion for 25 major road projects across 10 states and N286 billion for the procurement of specialised maritime vessels aimed at improving Nigeria’s port operations and waterway safety.
The approvals were granted during Monday’s FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, marking the council’s first sitting in about three months.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, said the council approved several new road construction, rehabilitation, dualisation and concession projects designed to improve connectivity and boost economic activities nationwide.
A key decision was the approval of the Full Business Case for the operation and maintenance of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in favour of MESSRS Aspect Concession Company Limited under the Modified Swiss Challenge approach.
Umahi also disclosed that President Tinubu directed the complete reconstruction of deteriorating sections of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway using reinforced concrete technology after concerns over structural failures, particularly along the Ibadan axis.
According to the minister, the President approved the reconstruction through due process to ensure the long-term durability of one of Nigeria’s busiest highways.
The council also approved the rescoping and award of the 400.9-kilometre Mokwa-Tegina-Bida-Lambata Road in Niger State to the Dangote Group under the Federal Government’s Tax Credit Scheme at a cost of N1.832 trillion. The project replaces an earlier contract awarded to CGC, which failed to deliver on the road corridor.
Umahi noted that the route had become notorious for fatal accidents, prompting the government to seek a more capable contractor.
In addition, FEC approved 23 other road projects across Adamawa, Taraba, Ebonyi, Kwara, Cross River, Kogi, Lagos, Niger, Oyo and Plateau states at a combined cost of N2.078 trillion.
Among the projects are the dualisation of the Ilorin-Ogbomosho Road, reconstruction of the Abakaliki-Afikpo and Enugu-Abakaliki roads, rehabilitation of the Ilorin-Omuaran-Egbe-Obajana Road, construction of the Tungo-Karamati Road linking Adamawa and Taraba, and several strategic roads in Oyo, Niger and Plateau states.
The council also approved contract augmentations for the Gogaram-Guri Road in Yobe State and Phase Two of the Yola-Fufore-Gurin Road in Adamawa.
Meanwhile, FEC approved N286 billion for the procurement of specialised maritime equipment to strengthen Nigeria’s port infrastructure.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, said the approvals include the acquisition of anti-pollution vessels, pilot-transfer boats and firefighting vessels.
The council approved two anti-pollution boats for Port Harcourt valued at N59.05 billion to combat plastic waste and industrial pollution in Nigeria’s waterways.
It also approved six pilot-transfer boats worth N80.03 billion to enhance navigation and improve safety for ships entering and leaving Nigerian ports.
Additionally, two firefighting boats valued at approximately N34.06 billion were approved to strengthen emergency response capabilities at ports, oil terminals and waterfront facilities.
FEC further approved a N112.85 billion collaborative dredging and channel management project for the Escravos-Warri waterway involving the Nigerian Ports Authority and private partners to improve navigation, remove obstructions and maintain international maritime standards.
The approvals form part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to modernise transport infrastructure, improve logistics, strengthen maritime safety and accelerate economic development across the country.
