The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved infrastructure projects worth over ₦4.26 trillion covering road construction, maritime development and aviation projects across the country.
The approvals were granted during the council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, on Monday.
The Federal Ministry of Works secured the largest share of the approvals with projects valued at about ₦3.94 trillion, including major highway construction, rehabilitation and concession initiatives.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, Minister of Works, David Umahi, said FEC approved 23 road projects across 10 states with a combined value of approximately ₦2.078 trillion.
The projects are spread across Adamawa, Taraba, Ebonyi, Kwara, Cross River, Kogi, Lagos, Niger, Oyo and Plateau states, and are aimed at improving transportation networks, reducing travel time, boosting trade and enhancing economic activities.
Umahi also disclosed that the council approved a ₦15 billion augmentation for a 32.2-kilometre road project in Gashua, Yobe State, following increased costs of construction materials since the project was awarded in 2022.
The council further approved ₦15.246 billion for the second phase of the Yola-Fufore-Gurin Road project in Adamawa State, which will cover an additional 20 kilometres after the completion of the first phase.
The minister announced that FEC had approved the Full Business Case for the concession of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, paving the way for private sector participation in the long-term operation and maintenance of the major highway.
He added that President Tinubu had directed the ministry to begin the process for the reconstruction of the failed Ibadan section of the expressway using reinforced concrete pavement technology to improve durability and safety.
Umahi expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of parts of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, particularly sections around Ibadan, describing the situation as a threat to motorists.
In one of the biggest approvals of the meeting, FEC approved the rescoping and re-award of the 409-kilometre dual carriageway project in Niger State under the tax credit scheme at a cost of ₦1.8325 trillion.
According to Umahi, the project, which will provide about 818 kilometres of pavement due to its dual carriageway design, will be executed by the Dangote Group using reinforced concrete technology.
He explained that the project was revised from the earlier contract awarded in 2022 to ensure faster delivery and provide stronger road infrastructure capable of supporting heavy industrial traffic.
Providing updates on ongoing projects, the minister said the first 118-kilometre section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Highway, valued at ₦137 billion, has been completed, while work on the remaining 164-kilometre stretch is expected to be concluded in November.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the approval of ₦34.398 billion for the construction of an airstrip in Gboko, Benue State.
Keyamo said the project, awarded to CCECC Nigeria Limited, would support agricultural activities, security operations, humanitarian response and emergency medical services in Benue State and surrounding areas.
The council also approved maritime projects worth about ₦286 billion to strengthen port operations, improve marine safety and protect Nigeria’s waterways.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Balarabe Abbas Lawal said FEC approved the procurement of two marine pollution control vessels valued at ₦59.05 billion to tackle plastic pollution and other forms of waste in Nigeria’s territorial waters.
The council also approved six pilot cutter boats worth ₦80.03 billion to support safe navigation of vessels and improve communication between ships and the Nigerian Ports Authority.
Additionally, two firefighting boats valued at ₦34.06 billion were approved to enhance emergency response capabilities at ports, oil terminals and other waterfront facilities.
FEC equally approved ₦112.85 billion for the capital and maintenance dredging of the Escravos Channel through a partnership involving the Nigerian Ports Authority and private sector operators.
The government said the projects would improve port efficiency, strengthen environmental protection and unlock greater economic opportunities within Nigeria’s blue economy sector.
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