By Ayo Kehinde
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved road infrastructure projects valued at over ₦1.2 trillion across the country, including the demolition and redesign of the Carter Bridge in Lagos, as part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s transport network and boost economic connectivity.
Briefing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over on Wednesday by President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, said the approvals followed extensive technical reviews, performance assessments of contractors, and stakeholder consultations.
Among the projects approved is the completion of the Suleja–Minna Road, originally awarded to Salini Construction Company but later terminated due to poor performance. Umahi revealed that only 10 kilometres of the road had been completed before the contract was cancelled.
He said the Federal Government has now resolved to complete the remaining 71 kilometres of the dual carriageway. One carriageway has been awarded to China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC) for ₦91 billion, while the second carriageway has received clearance from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) for award.
In Lagos, the Council approved the design and costing of a new Carter Bridge project at ₦5.6 billion. Umahi said technical evaluations showed that the existing bridge structure can no longer be rehabilitated and must be demolished and replaced.
According to him, Advanced Engineering Consultants has been engaged to undertake detailed design and cost assessment ahead of the procurement process for the construction of the new bridge.
The Federal Government also approved the review and rescoping of the 132-kilometre Kano–Kongolam Road, a tax credit project initially awarded in 2022. The road, which links Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina states, has been redesigned from asphalt pavement to a three-lane reinforced concrete carriageway.
The upgraded design will incorporate solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems to enhance safety and security along the route. The revised cost of the project is estimated at ₦334 billion.
Similarly, the FEC approved the reconstruction of the Abuja–Lokoja Road following the termination of contracts awarded to two underperforming contractors. The affected 86-kilometre section will now be reconstructed using reinforced concrete pavement and handled by five contractors, including Julius Berger, which is already executing other segments of the corridor. The project is estimated to cost ₦146 billion.
The Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa Road, a 103-kilometre dual carriageway valued at ₦427 billion, also received approval for reconstruction. Umahi said the project, initially awarded by the previous administration, recorded minimal progress before it was reviewed and re-awarded by the current government.
In addition, Phase Two of the Keffi–Nasarawa–Abaji Road rehabilitation project, covering 129.3 kilometres at ₦203 billion, was approved. The minister noted that the project would significantly improve connectivity between Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory.
Umahi further disclosed that the Federal Government plans to commission at least four major road projects in each of the six geopolitical zones by May 15, underscoring the administration’s commitment to delivering durable infrastructure and enhancing economic growth nationwide.
He stressed that the adoption of reinforced concrete technology for most of the projects reflects the government’s resolve to ensure longevity, reduce maintenance costs, and promote value for money in road construction.
