Federal Executive Council Approves Over N43 Billion for Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved over N43 billion for the completion of Phase II, Section II of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. This decision is part of a broader initiative to advance various infrastructure projects under the Ministry of Works. The council also reviewed progress on the East-West Road, which was inherited by the Tinubu administration at a cost of N156 billion.
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, shared these updates with journalists following a meeting at the State House in Abuja. He highlighted that due to heavy traffic and redesigns in pavement structure, the project has been phased. One carriageway has been completed, and 30% of the second is underway. Pending flyovers at Abuloma and Refinery Junctions in Rivers State will be presented for fresh award before the end of the month.
Umahi explained that the new approval includes additional works such as flyovers, underpasses, and adjoining roads that were not included in earlier phases. “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 N43 billion. It includes underpasses, concrete pavement, ramps, and adjoining roads,” he said.
Review of Mushin-NNPC Junction-Apapa-Oshodi Expressway
The Council also approved the review of the Mushin-NNPC Junction-Apapa-Oshodi Expressway dualisation. Initially awarded in 2022 for N11 billion, the project has been revised to N19.09 billion, reflecting inflation and rising construction costs. The 14.4-kilometre stretch is part of ongoing efforts to ease access to Lagos ports and industrial corridors.
The FEC awarded the third section of the 1,068km Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, covering the Badagry-Ogun-Oyo border segment measuring 162.97km. The section will be constructed with reinforced concrete pavement at a cost of N3.39 billion per kilometre.
Phased Funding for Ilorin-Omu Aran-Egba Road
Similarly, the Ilorin-Omu Aran-Egba Road (206.7km) has been broken into phases for funding purposes. Phase I (31km) has been approved for N43 billion, while subsequent phases will be implemented as budget permits.
On the Enugu-Onitsha Road (OP Junction-Ukehe-Okatu-Abu Udi-Oji-Anambra border), Umahi mentioned that the project was divided into two phases. Phase I (35.1km) is valued at N28.47 billion. He noted that about N21 billion has already been disbursed, leaving a balance of N7 billion.
Ota-Idiroko Project Revisions
In Ota-Idiroko, Ogun State, Section I (14km) of the project was revised from N43 billion to N98 billion following changes from flexible to rigid pavement and the discovery of high underground water levels. The 509-metre flyover with dual ramps was also reviewed upward from N17 billion to N23 billion.
The FEC equally approved Phase II (42km) of the Wasasa-Turunku-Mararaba Road in Kaduna State at N30.23 billion, following an earlier N18 billion approval for the first section (7.8km).
Ijebu Igbo-Etapa-Owoyen Road Expansion
Another highlight was the Ijebu Igbo-Etapa-Owoyen Road project linking Ogun and Oyo states. Initially awarded for N13 billion at 30km, it has now been extended by 7km and revalued to N53 billion with reinforced concrete and enhanced subgrade design.
Umahi attributed the reviews to design improvements, challenging terrain, and inflationary trends. He noted that the cost of reinforcement steel has risen to over N1.1 million per ton.
Governors Taking Over Federal Road Projects
Umahi further disclosed that governors of Edo, Delta, and Abia States have taken over the funding and execution of select federal roads within their jurisdictions to ease fiscal pressure on the federal government.