FEC Approves over N2trn for Road, Port, Maritime Projects

The federal executive council (FEC) has approved about N2.08 trillion for 23 road projects across 10 states as part of the federal government’s efforts to expand and modernise the country’s transport infrastructure.

David Umahi, minister of works, announced the approvals while briefing State House correspondents after Monday’s FEC meeting in Abuja.

Umahi said the projects span Adamawa, Taraba, Ebonyi, Kwara, Cross River, Kogi, Lagos, Niger, Oyo and Plateau, adding that they are aimed at improving connectivity, facilitating the movement of people and goods, and stimulating economic activities.

He said the council also ratified a presidential approval to increase the cost of a 2022 road contract in Gashua, Yobe state, by N15 billion due to rising construction material prices.

The minister added that FEC approved N15.25 billion for phase two of the Yola–Fufore–Gurin road after the completion of the first phase.

On the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Umahi said the council approved the full business case for the highway’s operation and maintenance under a modified Swiss Challenge procurement model.

He added that President Bola Tinubu directed the ministry to begin procurement for the reconstruction of failed sections of the expressway using concrete pavement technology to improve durability and safety.

Umahi also said FEC approved the reconstruction of about 400.9 kilometres of federal roads under a tax credit scheme to be executed by the Dangote Group at a cost of N1.83 trillion.

He said the project replaces an earlier 2022 contract and is expected to speed up the delivery of key road infrastructure.

The minister said the first 118-kilometre section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway, valued at N137 billion, has been completed, while work on the remaining 164 kilometres is expected to be concluded in November.

In a separate approval, the council cleared N34.4 billion for the construction of an airstrip in Gboko, Benue state.

Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, said the contract was awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Nigeria Limited.

He said the airstrip would support agricultural activities, strengthen security operations, and improve humanitarian and emergency medical services in the area.

FEC APPROVES N286bn FOR MARITIME PROJECTS

FEC also approved maritime infrastructure and safety projects worth about N286 billion.

Gboyega Oyetola, minister of marine and blue economy,, represented by Balarabe Lawal, minister of environment, at the briefing, said the approvals cover four projects aimed at improving port operations, maritime safety and environmental protection.

Oyetola said the council approved the procurement of two pollution-control vessels valued at about N59.05 billion to tackle marine pollution and improve navigational safety.

He added that FEC also approved the acquisition of six pilot cutter boats worth about N80.03 billion to transport marine pilots and support navigation within port channels.

The minister said the council further approved two firefighting boats valued at about N34.06 billion to strengthen emergency response to fires involving vessels, oil terminals, jetties and other port facilities.

He revealed that FEC approved N112.85 billion for the capital and maintenance dredging of the Escravos channel under a public-private partnership between the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and private sector operators.

Oyetola said the dredging project will improve access to the channel, remove navigational obstacles, enhance pollution surveillance and boost maritime safety and efficiency.