President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a total of N787.14 billion and $651.7 million for the execution and rescoping of critical infrastructure projects, particularly major road constructions, across 13 states of the federation. The approvals were granted during the latest Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, who briefed State House correspondents after the meeting, stated that the approvals cover both new and revised road contracts aimed at enhancing national connectivity and easing transportation for citizens and businesses.
Among the major projects approved is the long-delayed dualisation of the Akure–Ado-Ekiti road, spanning Ondo and Ekiti States. The project, which has been revised to focus on constructing 15 kilometers of the 18.4km stretch within current budgetary provisions, was awarded at a revised cost of N19.4 billion.
Also approved is the Sokoto–Zamfara–Katsina–Kaduna dual carriageway, which was rescoped to cover 82.4km and six bridges, still within the original N105 billion budget. The project is expected to open up economic corridors in the northwestern region and improve cross-state trade.
In Borno State, the Council gave the green light for the segmentation of the 105km Maiduguri–Monguno road, beginning with a 30km stretch at a cost of N21 billion. Authorities said the remaining portion will be presented for consideration after the first phase is completed.
In Ogun State, a N37.04 billion contract was awarded for the construction of the Ikoga Road and Atan–Alapoti–Ado-Odo Road, aimed at decongesting traffic and improving road access in industrial hubs. Similarly, a flyover project in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, was approved at N25 billion.
The FEC also approved a contract for the 96km section of the Benin–Shagamu–Ore expressway for N187 billion, a road project that had long suffered delays and poor funding.
One of the standout approvals includes the Enugu–Onitsha road, which was revised to 77km and will be funded under a public-private partnership with telecoms giant MTN. The project, awarded for N150 billion, forms part of the government’s tax credit scheme for infrastructure.
Additionally, the 7th Axial Road project, a critical 50km route—including 5km of bridges—was awarded for $651.7 million with funding from the China Exim Bank. The road is considered strategic for evacuating goods from the Lekki Deep Seaport and other industrial zones in Lagos State.
Beyond road infrastructure, the Council also approved the rehabilitation of three key dam projects aimed at mitigating flooding and boosting irrigation in the North. These include the Tiga Dam in Kano at N11.83 billion, Shalagua Gorge Dam at N7.47 billion, and the Kafinciri Irrigation Project at N7.4 billion.
Minister Umahi confirmed that substantial progress has been made on other flagship infrastructure projects, such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto–Badagry corridor. He revealed that 70 percent of the first section of the coastal highway is complete and ready for partial commissioning by May.
The federal government said the massive injection of funds into infrastructure development reflects its commitment to improving transportation, stimulating economic activity, and enhancing national integration.
