The Federal Government has approved a total of N4.23 trillion for the execution of 25 road projects across 10 states, as well as the procurement of specialised maritime vessels and other critical infrastructure aimed at improving transportation and port operations nationwide.
According to DIP CONNECT ONLINE NEWS, the approvals were granted during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held on Monday at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, and chaired by President Bola Tinubu. The meeting was the council’s first in nearly three months, following its last sitting on March 4, 2026, when the President swore in the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu.
Speaking after the meeting, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, said the council approved several road construction, rehabilitation, dualisation and concession projects, alongside the procurement of maritime equipment.
Umahi disclosed that FEC approved the Full Business Case for the operation and maintenance of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, awarding the concession to MESSRS Aspect Concession Company Limited under the modified Switch Challenge model.
He revealed that he informed the council about the deteriorating condition of some completed sections of the expressway, particularly the Ibadan axis constructed by Julius Berger, which has become unsafe for motorists.
According to the minister, President Tinubu directed that the affected portions be reconstructed using reinforced concrete technology after due procurement procedures.
"The completed section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, especially around the Ibadan axis, has deteriorated significantly. The President has directed that the road be reconstructed with concrete technology through due process," Umahi stated.
The minister also announced the rescoping and re-award of the 400.9-kilometre Mokwa–Tegina–Bida–Lambata Road in Niger State to the Dangote Group under the Federal Government’s tax credit scheme at a cost of N1.8325 trillion.
He explained that the project was withdrawn from the previous contractor, CGC, due to poor performance after years of delays, adding that the highway had become notorious for fatal accidents.
Umahi said the road corridor, which translates to approximately 801.8 kilometres of carriageway, is expected to improve safety and support major investments located along the route.
He further announced the completion of the 118-kilometre first section of the Lagos–Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Highway, valued at N257 billion, while work continues on the remaining 164 kilometres, which is expected to be completed by November.
FEC also approved 23 additional road projects across Adamawa, Taraba, Ebonyi, Kwara, Cross River, Kogi, Lagos, Niger, Oyo and Plateau states, with a combined value of N2.078 trillion.
Among the major approvals are:
- The dualisation of the Ilorin–Ogbomosho Dual Carriageway at N276 billion, awarded to SKCC.
- Construction of the Oyo Old Alignment–Oyoto–Ijawaya Road at N217 billion, awarded to HMF Nigeria Limited.
- Reconstruction of the Iseyin–Ipapo–Agebesi Road, linking Oyo and Kwara states, at N265 billion.
- Construction of the Abakaliki–Afikpo Road in Ebonyi State at N116 billion, awarded to SKCC.
- Reconstruction of the Enugu–Abakaliki Road, including a flyover, valued at N86 billion.
- Construction of the Adiku–Ajeyo–Obudu Road connecting Benue and Cross River states at N86 billion.
- The Ogbomosho–Oko–Ilobu Road across Oyo and Osun states at N110 billion, awarded to Halix Matrix.
- Rehabilitation of the Ilorin–Omuaran–Egbe–Obajana Road linking Kwara and Kogi states at N104 billion.
- Construction of the Jimeta–Mayoni–Mayo-Beleworu Road in Adamawa State at N83 billion, awarded to Triacta.
- Construction of the Tungo–Karamati Road, including five bridges along the Adamawa–Taraba border, at N62.99 billion, awarded to Wizchina Worldwide.
- Rehabilitation of the Igbeti–Igor Road in Oyo State at N82 billion.
- Construction of the Igo–Soro–Kishi Road in Oyo State at N74 billion, awarded to CBC.
- Construction of the Daban–Manki Road in Niger State at N78 billion.
- Construction of the Babanlamba–Sharam Phase Two Road in Plateau State at N92.92 billion, awarded to Decency Associates.
The council also approved two additional road-related projects, including a N15 billion contract augmentation for the Gogaram–Guri Road in Yobe State, originally awarded in 2022, to accommodate rising construction costs.
Another approval was N15.246 billion for the second phase of the Yola–Fufore–Gurin Road, awarded to Wizchina Worldwide, covering the remaining 20 kilometres after the successful completion of the first phase.
Also briefing journalists, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, who represented the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, announced that the council approved four maritime procurement projects worth N286 billion.
The approvals include the acquisition of two anti-pollution vessels for Port Harcourt at a cost of N59.052 billion to tackle plastic waste and industrial pollution affecting Nigeria’s waterways.
Lawal explained that the vessels would support efforts to reduce marine pollution, improve environmental sustainability and enhance safe navigation in Nigerian waters.
FEC also approved the purchase of six cataboats valued at N80.029 billion for pilot-transfer operations within Nigeria's ports.
According to the minister, the vessels will facilitate the safe movement of marine pilots to and from ships, assist vessels navigating port channels and strengthen communication between ships and port authorities.
In addition, the council approved the procurement of two firefighting boats valued at $16,000,462 (approximately N34.059 billion) for emergency response operations around ports, oil terminals, jetties and other waterfront facilities handling flammable cargo.
The fourth approval was a N112.85 billion collaborative contract for channel maintenance and dredging of the Escravos–Warri Waterway, involving the Nigerian Ports Authority, MESSRS China Harbour Engineering Company Limited, Dudley Engineering, and Register Global Construction.
Lawal said the project covers hydraulic surveys, capital and maintenance dredging, removal of navigational obstructions, pollution monitoring, surveillance and maintenance of navigational aids in line with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) standards.
The Federal Government said the projects are expected to improve road connectivity, strengthen maritime safety, boost trade and logistics, enhance environmental protection and support economic development across the country, DIP CONNECT ONLINE NEWS reports.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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