The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N679 billion for the execution of 13 major road contracts across Nigeria, according to the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi.
The approvals granted during the FEC meeting on Wednesday cover new construction, rehabilitation and rescoping of existing projects aimed at addressing the nation’s infrastructure deficit.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Umahi outlined the scope of the contracts, which span several states including Bauchi, Abia, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Imo, and Anambra.
He explained that the government’s focus on prioritizing and completing inherited projects within the limits of available funds.
Among the key approvals is the construction of the Zaria-Ukui-Kolomani-Dan Bali Road, a strategic route passing through Kaduna and Katsina States.
The N198 billion contract has been awarded to MotherCat Nigeria Limited, with a completion timeline of 36 months.
The minister noted that this project, alongside others, is crucial for boosting regional connectivity and economic activities.
In Bauchi State, the Aakalari-Ukuk Road is set for a phased execution with the first phase costing N11.278 billion and scheduled for completion within six months.
Similarly, the Uturu-Isikwato-Akara Road in Abia State received N5.926 billion for its initial phase, also expected to be completed in six months.
Umahi also disclosed that the Kano-Maiduguri Road, which had faced delays, would now proceed under a new contractor, Tractor Nigeria Limited. The project, estimated at N128.395 billion, is set to be completed in 18 months.
Also, the Bagudu Road project in Kebbi State was approved for N2.645 billion to ensure that ongoing works are protected from damage.
The minister revealed the urgency of rescoping the Iyin-Ilawi-Ekiti Road project and correcting a previous approval error by raising the contract sum to N15.626 billion.
Other notable approvals include the Obanewi-Arisizogu-Okiwe Road in Imo and Anambra States (N8.45 billion), and the Aba-Ikot Ekpene Road dualisation project (N30 billion).
Addressing concerns about budget constraints, Umahi emphasized that the ministry’s strategy involves prioritizing projects based on available funding to prevent deterioration of completed sections.
He also confirmed an upward review of the Outer Marina Shore Protection Project in Lagos, raising the cost from N144 billion to N176 billion to cover additional federal institutions.
Umahi reiterated the government’s commitment to infrastructure development, noting that the new contracts would enhance road connectivity and economic growth across the country.
He added that the council directed the ministry to ensure that funds are utilized efficiently, prioritizing roads with substantial progress to protect them from environmental damage.
The minister assured Nigerians that the government remains dedicated to completing all inherited projects and it will focus on protecting and enhancing the nation’s infrastructure assets.
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