The Federal Government on Tuesday approved 14 major road projects worth N249.15 billion across the country. The move aims to overhaul Nigeria’s aging road network and fast-track long-delayed projects.
The announcement came after the 23rd Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Aso Rock Villa, where the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, briefed journalists on the scope and urgency of the projects.
With a mix of rehabilitation and new road construction, the approved projects span multiple states, promising smoother travel, enhanced trade routes, and economic upliftment for millions of Nigerians.
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Among the key allocations:
- Agaie–Katcha–Baro Road (Niger State) – N22bn awarded to Messrs GR Building Construction Limited.
- Odukpani Junction and Calabar–Ikom–Ogoja Road (Cross River State) – N26.3bn contract granted to Samatech.
- Ajaokuta–Ajibo/Iyana-Mosa Road (Ogun State) – N10.89bn to Messrs HM Construction Limited.
- Inoma–Iyaka–Abaji Road (Anambra State) – N9.33bn awarded to Niger Cat.
- Kaduna–Jos Road (Phase 1) (Kaduna and Plateau States) – N33.42bn awarded to Setraco.
- Yola–Fufure Road (Adamawa State) – N11.81bn awarded to WisChina Worldwide Engineering Limited.
Ogun State saw another key approval, with Aretha Construction Limited securing N13bn for the Ijebu–Ibutita–Ebe Road. Meanwhile, in the Southeast, Arab Contractors clinched a N14.49bn deal for the Nkomoro–Isu Road (Enugu and Ebonyi States) and an additional N11.55bn for the dualization of the Ikot Ekpene Border/Aba–Owerri Road.
Umahi emphasized that the projects were carefully selected based on their economic impact and the government’s commitment to delivering results.
Among the updates was the much-debated Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, where Messrs Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) requires an additional N30bn to complete an 8.55km stretch on the Lagos-bound lane. The road, a vital artery for the country’s economic hub, has faced numerous delays over the years.
“There are two sections—one handled by Julius Berger and the other by RCC,” Umahi explained. “RCC has yet to finish the Ibadan-bound side, and the remaining work is valued at about N4bn. For the Lagos-bound section, we need an additional N22bn, bringing the total outstanding amount to N30bn.”
He further stressed that the government is determined to wrap up the project, warning that any contractor failing to meet the April deadline risks having their contract reassigned.
FEC also approved N7bn for the rescoping of the AK Bypass, a project to be executed by Ghitto Construction Limited. However, a proposal to construct a permanent headquarters for the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) was put on hold.
“FEC questioned why, since its establishment in 2002, FERMA has never had a headquarters,” Umahi revealed. “We’ve been asked to conduct more research and resubmit the proposal.”
