The Federal Executive Council (FEC) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FederalExecutiveCouncil_(Nigeria)] approved eight road contracts worth roughly ₦594.49 billion on Wednesday, while also reviewing remedial works on the ageing East‑West Road and seeking African Development Bank financing for the proposed Lagos‑Abidjan coastal highway.
What projects received approval?
The council cleared contracts ranging from ₦11.33 billion to ₦209 billion for key corridors in Abia, Kogi, Ekiti, Sokoto, Adamawa and Taraba states. Highlights include:
- ₦20.257 billion for the 18‑km Amaseri Road (Ishagu‑Otakot) on the Enugu Expressway.
- ₦11.33 billion for the third phase of the Umuahia‑Bende‑Afikpo Road in Abia, covering the remaining five kilometres under federal responsibility.
- ₦160 billion for rebuilding the 95‑km E2K‑Okey‑Ampa‑Otopa Road in Kogi.
- ₦209 billion for the 81.1‑km Ado‑Ekiti‑Ijan‑Ilumoba‑Ikole Road, which includes a new bridge; the contract was awarded to CBC.
- ₦28.218 billion for the 17‑km Sokoto‑Illela Road (Route A1), given to Kespeko Global Limited.
- ₦62 billion for a 30‑km link between Adamawa and Taraba, featuring five bridges, awarded to WeChina Nigeria Limited.
- ₦89.2 billion for the 47‑km Bichi Ring Road, which will incorporate a flyover, contracted to Lara Lake.
- ₦14.486 billion for the eight‑km Dikko‑Maje link road that connects to the Suleja‑Minna corridor, with MW Resources Limited as the contractor.
Why were some projects previously stalled?
The Umuahia‑Bende‑Afikpo stretch had been funded through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s tax‑credit scheme but halted when that arrangement ended. The federal government later rescoped the work, assigning the Abia State Government to build an additional 43 km.
What remedial actions are planned for the East‑West Road?
The council noted that sections of the East‑West Road have deteriorated because the original construction predates current flood‑level standards. Remedial works will raise those vulnerable stretches and improve flood resilience.
How is the Lagos‑Abidjan highway being financed?
Minister of Works Senator David Umahi [https://www.works.gov.ng/] said Nigeria and four neighbouring West African nations – Benin, Togo, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire – are pursuing African Development Bank (AfDB) support for the 1,028‑km corridor. A ministerial meeting scheduled for Friday will explore how each country can tap AfDB funding for its segment. Nigeria’s portion runs 79 km from Tincan Island in Lagos to the Seme border with Benin; the other sections total 949 km across the partner states.
What impact is expected?
Both the newly approved domestic projects and the trans‑national highway aim to boost road connectivity, facilitate trade, and strengthen economic integration across West Africa, according to the minister.
The approvals were announced by Senator Umahi after the FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.