FG Approves N660 Billion for Major Road Projects, Plans to Streamline Council Meetings
The Federal Government has approved an ambitious infrastructure package worth N660.26 billion for the rehabilitation and construction of 14 road projects across Nigeria, signaling a major push to revitalize the country’s transportation network.
The approval came during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, who briefed reporters after the meeting, detailed the scope of the approved projects, which span multiple geopolitical zones and are designed to enhance connectivity and economic development across the nation.
“These projects represent a significant step forward in our administration’s commitment to infrastructure development,” Umahi said. “They will not only improve transportation but also create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the affected regions.”
Among the notable projects is a N198 billion contract for the construction of a road connecting Zaria to Katsina, with a completion timeline of 36 months. Another significant approval is the Kano to Maiduguri road section awarded to Tractor Nigeria Limited at N128.39 billion, expected to be completed within 18 months.
The Lagos Outer Marina Shore Protection project also received attention, with its budget increasing from N144 billion to N176 billion to accommodate “additional shoreline protection for federal institutions,” according to the minister.
Other approved projects include:
Aakalari-Ukuk road in Bauchi (N11.27 billion), Uturu-Isuikwuato-Akara road in Abia state (N5.92 billion), Bagudu road in Kebbi state (N2.64 billion) ,Obanewi Arisizogu to Okiwe road in Imo and Anambra states (N8.45 billion), Enyi Ilawe Ekiti road (N15.62 billion), Aba-Ikot Ekepene Road dualisation (N30 billion).
Several of these projects are scheduled for completion within six months, reflecting an urgency to deliver on infrastructure promises.
In a related development, the FEC announced plans to transform its weekly meetings from procurement-centered discussions to more policy-focused deliberations.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, revealed that the council is working toward establishing a financial threshold for contracts that require FEC approval, allowing ministries more autonomy in handling procurement below the specified limit.
“If you observed, all the memos presented here largely related to procurements,” Idris explained. “We want that to be decongested at the federal executive council level to give room for more detailed discussions on policy issues.”
The proposed change aims to streamline decision-making processes and allow the council to dedicate more time to broader national development issues rather than contract approvals.
Idris emphasized that discussions about the threshold are still ongoing, with the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and various ministers tasked with developing recommendations for the President’s final approval.
The FEC meetings, initially scheduled for Mondays following President Tinubu’s October 2023 directive, continue to be held every Wednesday, bringing together cabinet members and presidential aides to address critical national issues.
