Federal Executive Council Approves N43bn for Key Infrastructure Projects
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a significant allocation of over N43 billion for the completion of Phase II, Section II of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. This decision was made during the weekly FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja. The funds will also support several other major road and infrastructure projects across the country.
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, revealed this development on Thursday following the meeting. He explained that the allocated funds will be used to construct flyovers, underpasses, concrete pavements, ramps, and adjoining roads that were previously excluded from earlier phases of the project.
“This project was awarded about five years ago, but didn’t take off. When Mr President came in, FEC terminated the earlier contract. Now, we’ve re-awarded Phase II, Section II for N43bn,” Umahi stated.
In addition to the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, the FEC approved an increase in funding for the Mushin–NNPC Junction–Apapa-Oshodi Expressway dualisation, from N11 billion to N19.09 billion. This adjustment was made due to inflationary pressures.
Other Highway Projects and Funding Adjustments
Umahi also announced awards and revisions for several other highways, including:
- Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway: The third section of this 1,068km highway was approved to span 162.97km from Badagry through Ogun to the Oyo border, with a cost of N3.39 billion per kilometre.
- Ilorin–Omu Aran–Egba Road: Phase I of this 31km road was approved at N43 billion.
- Enugu–Onitsha Road
- Ota–Idiroko Corridor
He noted that most of these adjustments were driven by design changes and rising construction material costs.
State Governments Take On Federal Road Projects
Umahi highlighted that some state governments, including Edo, Delta, and Abia, have taken responsibility for funding and executing federal roads within their jurisdictions. This move is aimed at reducing the financial burden on the federal government.
Federal Capital Territory Administration Projects
Meanwhile, the FEC approved several projects under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, mentioned that the Council ratified engineering infrastructure development for Maitama II district, covering over 786 hectares. He explained that the project, originally awarded five years ago, had stalled and has now been re-awarded to accelerate development.
Wike added that the FEC confirmed ongoing construction of residences for heads of key federal courts and approved the extension of water supply to Karu, Karshi, Orozo, and Bwari. Additionally, emergency rehabilitation work at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre was approved ahead of the last ECOWAS Parliament session.
Benefits of the Maitama II Project
Wike emphasized that the Maitama II project will ease pressure on central Abuja and enable property owners in the district to finally commence development.