The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday approved over ₦787.14 billion and $651.7 million for key infrastructure and ecological projects across the country, with a focus on roads, dams, and irrigation, all aimed at boosting connectivity, food production, and economic resilience.
The approvals followed a lengthy cabinet meeting chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, disclosed to journalists that several road projects across 13 states received new contracts and revised approvals, including major corridors inherited from the previous administration.
Among the projects is the revised Akure-Itaogbolu-Iju-Ekiti border to Ikere-Ado-Ekiti dual carriageway, now revalued at ₦19.4 billion for 15km of the 18.4km stretch. Also approved is the 82.4km segment of the long-pending Sokoto-Zamfara-Katsina-Kaduna road, to include six bridges while staying within the original ₦105 billion budget.
In Borno, the Maiduguri-Monguno road will be constructed in phases, starting with a 30km stretch at a cost of ₦21 billion.
Other key road projects approved include:
Abakaliki-Afikpo Flyover in Ebonyi State – ₦25 billion
Ikoga and Atan-Alapoti-Ado-Odo Roads in Ogun State – ₦37.05 billion
Enugu-Onitsha Dual Carriageway (under MTN tax credit scheme) – ₦150 billion for 77km
Benin-Shagamu-Ore Road – ₦187 billion for 96km
Umahi also announced a $651.7 million loan from China Exim Bank for the 50km 7th Axial Road connecting Lekki Deep Seaport and Dangote’s industrial hub. The road includes 5km of bridges and is expected to ease cargo movement from Lagos ports.
He further highlighted progress on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. According to him, over 70% of Section One is complete, with 30km ready for commissioning. Another 10km in Section Two is nearing completion, while a 10km stretch of the Sokoto-Badagry corridor is scheduled for delivery by May 25.
International lenders, including Dutch Bank and the Development Bank of Southern Africa, have reportedly endorsed the procurement process for the projects, with some even describing the projects as undervalued.
In a separate briefing, Dr. Emanso Umobong, Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Affairs Office, said the Council approved critical water and agricultural projects in support of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
These include:
Rehabilitation of Tiga Dam, Kano – ₦11.83 billion
Expansion of Shalagua Gorge Dam – ₦7.47 billion
Kafinciri Irrigation Scheme – ₦7.4 billion
She noted that the projects would directly benefit over 30,000 farming households, enable up to three farming cycles per year, and generate over 300,000 jobs by increasing access to water and arable land.
Ecological projects also got attention, with approval granted for erosion control and flood prevention efforts in 16 local government areas in Kano State.
In Maiduguri, emergency works were approved on the Alau Dam to prevent future flooding, following the disaster recorded in 2023.
“These interventions are central to President Tinubu’s commitment to food security, rural development, and climate adaptation,” Dr. Umobong stated.
