The Federal Government has approved over N4.2 trillion for major road construction, rehabilitation, and maritime projects aimed at improving transportation, boosting economic activities, and strengthening Nigeria’s port system.
The approvals were made during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting was the council’s first gathering in about three months.
Speaking after the meeting, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, announced that the government approved N3.94 trillion for 25 road projects across 10 states. In addition, N286 billion was approved for the purchase of pollution control vessels, pilot-transfer boats, firefighting boats, and dredging operations to improve Nigeria’s waterways and ports.
One of the key decisions reached by the council was the approval of the full business case for the operation and maintenance of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The project was awarded to Aspect Concession Company Limited under a modified concession arrangement.
Umahi also raised concerns over the poor condition of some completed sections of the expressway, especially the Ibadan axis, describing it as unsafe for motorists. According to him, President Tinubu directed that the damaged portions should be completely rebuilt using reinforced concrete technology to improve durability and safety.
Another major approval was the award of the 400.9-kilometre Mokwa–Tegina–Bida–Lambata Roadin Niger State to the Dangote Group under the Federal Government’s tax credit scheme.
The contract is valued at N1.832 trillion and replaces an earlier agreement awarded to another contractor that failed to complete the project. Umahi explained that the road had become notorious for fatal accidents, making urgent intervention necessary.
The minister also revealed that the first section of the Lagos–Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Highway, covering 118 kilometres, has been completed under the current administration. Work is still ongoing on the remaining 164 kilometres, which is expected to be completed before the end of November.
FEC also approved 23 additional road projects spread across Adamawa, Taraba, Ebonyi, Kwara, Cross River, Kogi, Lagos, Niger, Oyo, and Plateau States, with a combined value of about N2.078 trillion.
Some of the approved projects include the dualisation of the Ilorin–Ogbomosho Road, reconstruction of the Iseyin–Ipapo–Agebesi Road, construction of the Abakaliki–Afikpo Road, rehabilitation of the Ilorin–Omuaran–Egbe–Obajana Road, and several other major highways expected to improve transportation and support economic growth.
The council also approved additional funding for the Gogaram–Guri Road in Yobe State due to rising construction costs, as well as the second phase of the Yola–Fufore–Gurin Road project.
On the maritime side, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, announced that N286 billion had been approved for four major port improvement projects.
The approvals include two pollution control boats for Port Harcourt to tackle plastic waste and industrial pollution in Nigerian waters, six pilot-transfer boats to assist ships entering and leaving ports safely, and two firefighting boats that will respond to emergencies involving ships, oil terminals, and waterfront facilities.
The council also approved over N112 billion for dredging and maintenance of the Escravos–Warri waterway. The project will improve navigation, remove obstacles, monitor pollution, and maintain navigational facilities in line with international maritime standards.
The Federal Government said the projects are expected to improve road safety, reduce travel time, strengthen trade, support port operations, and create more economic opportunities across different parts of the country.
