FEC Approves N733 Billion for key road projects across Nigeria

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N733 billion for the completion of four major road projects inherited from the previous administration.

The approved projects include the completion of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road, the dualisation of Section Two of the Ibadan-Ilorin road, the dualisation of the Odupani-Itu-Idedem Item road, and the construction of a flyover at Abakpa, Enugu, near the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the approvals while briefing State House correspondents after FEC’s third meeting of the year on Monday, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He noted that the decision followed a thorough review process to align the projects with the government’s infrastructure priorities.

Breakdown of Approved Projects

Umahi provided a detailed breakdown of the allocations:

• Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road: N507 billion has been earmarked for the completion of Section 2, covering 82 kilometers in both directions (totaling 164 kilometers). The contract was awarded to InfoWest Nigeria Ltd., which is also handling Sections 1 and 3.
• Ibadan-Ilorin Road: N147 billion was approved for the dualisation of Section 2 in Ogbomosho, Oyo State. The project, awarded to GRVe Construction Ltd., will use reinforced concrete pavement for enhanced durability.
• Odupani-Itu-Idedem Item-Ikot Ekpene Road: The dualisation of this critical link between Cross River and Akwa Ibom States was approved for N55 billion, with Decon Construction Nigeria Ltd. handling the contract.
• Abakpa Flyover, Enugu: N24 billion was allocated for the construction of a flyover at Abakpa to ease congestion near the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army. The project was awarded to CCECC.

Strengthening Accountability in Road Construction

The approval of these funds aligns with the Federal Government’s newly introduced policies aimed at improving project execution and accountability. Under these guidelines:

• Contractors must mobilize to the site and commence work for at least two weeks before receiving mobilization fees.
• They are required to provide an active Advance Payment Guarantee (APG) and a valid performance bond to ensure funds are used strictly for the project and that completion is guaranteed.

These measures are expected to reduce project abandonment, enhance accountability, and improve the overall quality of road construction in Nigeria.