The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved funding of at least N3.09 trillion for several road projects across the country, prominently featuring sections of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway and initiatives within the Federal Capital Territory.
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, disclosed this information to State House Correspondents following the first FEC meeting of the year in Abuja on Monday.
Umahi further revealed approvals for the Ado-Ekiti and Igede projects, totaling approximately N5.4 billion. Additionally, six other projects valued at around N102 billion include developments in Egbeda (between Lagos and Ogun States) and along the Abuja–Lokoja corridor.
The minister noted that certain sections of the Abuja–Lokoja road, constructed by RCC and Dantata & Sawoe, are experiencing structural failures. While contractors attributed the issues to high temperatures, Umahi disputed this claim, confirming that affected sections are being rebuilt.
“If you visit the Abuja-Lokoja road, you will see that some sections completed by RCC and Dantata & Sawoe are failing. When we confronted them, they attributed it to high temperatures, but that is not accurate. Therefore, we are redoing those sections. We also have projects in Ogun, Ekiti, and finally in Katsina state,” he stated.
Umahi highlighted plans for a comprehensive evaluation of the pile foundations of both the Third Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge. An initial assessment in 2009 identified deterioration, with a follow-up in 2013 indicating a progressive decline of the concrete piles. The ministry has initiated an investigation of the underwater piles on both bridges to devise solutions for preventing further damage, which will cost N3.57 billion.
Regarding the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, Umahi explained that while work on Sections 1 and 2 in Lagos (extending to the Ogun State boundary) continues, the President has directed that work commence in Calabar and Akwa Ibom.
“This project spans about 130 kilometers, with 65 kilometers being dualized, and is projected to cost N1.334 trillion. The project has been approved by the FEC,” Umahi affirmed.
He also highlighted ten projects collectively approved, including the construction of access roads to the Second Niger Bridge. The project is valued at N470.9 billion on the Delta side and N148 billion on the Anambra side, both to be constructed in concrete.
Further approvals include the Lagos–Ibadan Phase Two, Section One, at N195 billion under CBC, as part of the three Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) projects, which have now been taken over by the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund. The Abuja–Karo Road contract is also one of the PIDF projects.
In total, N885 billion was approved for these ten initiatives, which encompass projects like the Onitsha–Owerri Expressway (N22 billion) and the Wusasa–Jos road in Kaduna State (N18 billion).
Additional approvals entail the reconstruction of three sections of the Lokoja–Benin road in concrete: Section One (Obajana–Benin) by CGC at N64 billion, Section Two (Auchi–Edo) at N110 billion, and a third section near the Benin Airport in Edo State at N131 billion.
Umahi also mentioned a project spanning Abia and Enugu States, valued at N12.75 billion, scoped within available border limits.
Turning to the Abuja–Kano road, Umahi announced the termination of the previous contract with Julius Berger, leading the government to divide the work into two sections: Section 1 from the FCT–Niger State boundary (with an additional 5.71 kilometers toward Kogi State) and Section 3 in Kano (extended by 17 kilometers). This 118-kilometer stretch will include solar lighting along its entirety, with an estimated cost of N252 billion. Most of it will be built with concrete, except Section 3, which will utilize asphalt.
The Minister emphasized that using concrete is more cost-effective than the previous offer made by Julius Berger, which the company declined.
Umahi also addressed a recent misunderstanding between the Ministry of Works and Daily Trust Newspapers, confirming that it has been amicably resolved.
“Let me add that we have settled with Daily Trust. They visited our office and graciously explained themselves. They are satisfied, and we are happy. The company they reported was not the one awarded the job, but the company that was awarded the job graciously provided all the equipment that Julius Berger was using on that road. This means we are saving money by not incurring additional mobilization costs,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Mariya Mahmoud, announced that the FCT Administration had submitted five memoranda focused on infrastructure development within the city and its satellite towns.
The first memorandum sought approval for a contract to provide full access to a bus terminal in Maushi District, Cadastral Zone B06, Phase 2 of the city. The contract, valued at N30.97 billion, was awarded to Setraco Nigeria Limited and is expected to be completed within 18 months.
The second memorandum secured approval for the award of a contract to fully develop Arterial Road N1 from Wuye District to Ring Road 2 in the FCT. Valued at N62.50 billion, this project was awarded to Arab Contractors OAO Nigeria Limited, with a completion timeline of 20 months.
The third memorandum approved the construction of the Kuje–Gwagwalada dual carriageway under the Satellite Towns Development Department. The contract, totaling N67.50 billion, was awarded to Gilmore Engineering Nigeria Limited, to be completed in 16 months.
The fourth memorandum involved rehabilitating the Old Keffi Road from Kado Village to Dei-Dei by the Outer Northern Expressway junction. This project, spanning approximately 15 kilometers in Abuja, was awarded to Lubric Construction Company Limited at N26.87 billion and is slated for completion within 18 months.
The fifth memorandum granted approval for a contract to provide an access road to the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Project in Cadastral Zone V06 and Karsana West District of the federal capital city, Abuja. This contract, valued at N31.66 billion, was also awarded to Lubric Construction Company Limited, with an estimated completion period of 18 months.
In his address to journalists, the Minister of Transportation, Said Alkali, stated that the Council approved a detailed feasibility study and engineering design of a proposed road alignment, costing $45.3 million. This alignment would connect the Badagry Deep Sea Port to Tin Can, Tin Can to Apapa, Lekki Sea Port to Ijebu Ode, and finally to Kajola, where it would integrate with the Lagos-Kano-Maradi railway modernization project.
Alkali explained that the project aims to link the Western ports to the hinterland.
“The idea is to connect the Western ports to the hinterland. Currently, we have only Apapa Port, which is connected by a rail line. We have a standard gauge inside the APM terminal in Apapa for freight from Lagos to Ibadan. We also have the rehabilitated old narrow gauge in use for freight from Lagos to Kano. By linking all four seaports in the Western corridor to the hinterland, we will further enhance our GDP and economic activity. The contract was awarded at a cost of $45.3 million,” he concluded.
Original source: Punch Newspaper
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