The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has sanctioned various policy measures and infrastructure projects aimed at addressing pressing economic and social issues under President Bola Tinubu's administration.
During a meeting held on Wednesday at the State House in Abuja, led by the President, the council reviewed proposals focused on resolving challenges in the electricity sector, enhancing civil service welfare, and advancing infrastructure development, healthcare, and education.
Following the meeting, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, informed reporters that President Tinubu is contemplating the creation of a Grid Asset Management Company, which is intended to tackle ongoing issues within Nigeria's electricity transmission network.
Idris highlighted that the proposed initiative aims to fortify the transmission aspect of the power sector, which the government views as a primary hindrance in Nigeria’s electricity value chain.
"The President has acknowledged that the key challenge in effectively solving the power issue lies predominantly within the transmission sector. Consequently, he has proposed legislation to establish what is termed the Grid Asset Management Company," Idris said.
He further clarified that a multi-ministerial committee is being formed to develop the legal, regulatory, and operational frameworks necessary for this initiative before its submission to the National Assembly.
The committee will comprise the Minister of Power, Minister of State for Gas, Minister of Works, Minister of Finance, the Chairman of the Nigeria Legal Service, and the Minister of Science and Technology.
Moreover, the council authorized a new exit-benefit scheme targeted at retiring civil servants who are part of the Contributory Pension Scheme.
Idris noted that the scheme will enable retiring personnel in government- funded ministries, departments, and agencies to receive up to 100% of their total emoluments as additional retirement benefits, with the intent to enhance morale and efficiency in the civil service.
In terms of infrastructure investments, Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, announced that the FEC approved several road and bridge initiatives nationwide.
Among these is the revitalization of the Suleja-Minina Road project, which had been previously halted due to the original contractor's inability to complete the work. Umahi indicated that CGC and CCECC will now oversee parts of the project after the termination of the previous contract.
Additionally, ₦5.6 billion has been allocated for Advanced Engineering Consultants to manage the design and cost estimation of the demolition and reconstruction of the Carter Bridge in Lagos.
The FEC also endorsed the reconstruction of several critical road corridors, including the Kano-Kongolam Road project, which spans Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina states, along with the Abuja-Lokoja road section and the Ibadan-Ife- Ilesa dual carriageway. Umahi disclosed that the government aims to finalize at least four major infrastructure projects within each geopolitical zone for presidential unveiling by May 15.
The council also ratified two essential health sector initiatives.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, announced that FEC has approved ₦9.99 billion for the acquisition of antiretroviral medications to support Nigeria’s HIV treatment program. He added that the contract has been awarded to Fixing HealthCare, which is set to collaborate with international partners to bolster local pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities.
Moreover, FEC has sanctioned enhancements and training support for radiotherapy services in six cancer treatment centers, one located in each geopolitical zone.
In the educational landscape, the council sanctioned a six-year moratorium on the establishment of new tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, explained that this decision was made to prioritize the improvement of existing institutions rather than increasing their quantity.
He noted that Nigeria currently possesses adequate tertiary institutions, and the government needs to focus on strengthening existing universities while ensuring the financial sustainability of private institutions.
Furthermore, FEC approved the reinstatement of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult, and Non-Formal Education as an independent entity after being reclassified as a department within the Ministry of Education.
Alausa explained that this shift will further the government’s objectives of enhancing literacy and digital education among millions of Nigerians, particularly in rural areas.
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