FEC Approves Over N400bn for New and Revised Road Projects Nationwide

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a package of road infrastructure projects and contract reviews valued at more than ?400 billion, signaling a renewed commitment by the Tinubu administration to modernize Nigeria’s transport network and stimulate economic growth.

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, disclosed this to State House correspondents after Thursday’s FEC meeting, presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Umahi said he presented 11 memos to the council — nine on reviewed projects inherited from previous administrations and two for new contract awards.

“Our focus remains delivering durable road infrastructure to support economic growth and ease of movement across the federation,” the minister stated.

Key Approvals

Among the new projects approved is Phase Two, Section Two of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, valued at ?43 billion. The work will address failed portions and complete critical underpasses and ramps on the busy route, which serves as one of the country’s most vital transport corridors.

Also approved was the dualisation of the Mushin–NNPC Junction–Apapa Oshodi Expressway in Lagos, whose cost was revised from ?11 billion to ?19 billion due to updated design and material costs.

Another major highlight is the construction of Section Three of the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, covering 162.97 kilometers from Badagry through Ogun State to the Oyo State border, estimated at ?3.39 billion per kilometer.

Reviews of Legacy Projects

The FEC also reviewed several ongoing projects inherited from past governments for cost and design optimization:

• Ilorin–Omu Aran–Egba Road (Kwara State): 216 kilometers phased into sections, with 31 kilometers under Phase One at ?43 billion.
• East–West Road: Redesigned for improved traffic flow and pavement strength, with Phase One budgeted at ?156 billion, covering dual carriageways and bridges.
• Old Enugu–Onitsha Road: Undergoing design review to enhance structural integrity and shorten delivery timelines.

Umahi noted that some state governments have taken over federal roads within their territories to accelerate completion and relieve funding pressure on the federal budget.

Regional Upgrades and Concrete Focus

The council also approved a review of the Ota–Idi-Iroko Road project in Ogun State, incorporating rigid concrete pavement and an additional bridge, raising its cost from ?38 billion to ?52 billion.

Other projects approved include:

• Jos–Turunkun–Maraban–Jama’a Road (Kaduna State): ?30 billion for rehabilitation.
• Ijebu–Ibu Ete–Egba–Owena Road (Ogun and Ondo States): ?53 billion for reconstruction.

Umahi reaffirmed the government’s preference for concrete pavement construction, citing its durability and reduced maintenance costs.

“We are prioritizing concrete pavement to ensure our roads last longer and serve Nigerians better,” he said.

Additional Context

In September, the Federal Government approved additional funding for waste excavation and design modification on the Lagos segment of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road.

According to Umahi, engineers discovered a 50-year-old refuse dump more than 10 metres deep and two kilometres long, necessitating realignment of the road to protect nearby infrastructure, including Landmark Beach and adjoining properties.

“We encountered engineering and environmental challenges that required design changes to preserve existing assets while maintaining project quality,” he added.