The Federal Government on Wednesday approved six major road projects across Nigeria and also authorised the demolition of the Carter Bridge in Lagos to pave the way for the construction of a new one.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu.
According to the minister, the approved projects include the reconstruction of the 103-kilometre Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa dual carriageway, which has been re-awarded for ₦427 billion after minimal progress by the previous contractor.
FEC also approved the review and redesign of the 132-kilometre Kano–Kongolam Road, linking Kano, Jigawa and Katsina states. The project, now upgraded to a three-lane concrete carriageway with solar-powered streetlights and CCTV installations, was awarded for ₦334 billion.
Other projects approved include the rehabilitation of the 129.3-kilometre Keffi–Nasarawa–Abaji Road Phase Two at a cost of ₦203 billion, and the completion of the remaining 71 kilometres of the Suleja–Minna dual carriageway, awarded for ₦91 billion.
Umahi explained that the Suleja–Minna Road project was initially awarded to Salini Construction Company but the contract was terminated after only 10 kilometres were completed due to poor performance. The remaining work has now been awarded to China Geo-Engineering Corporation, while approval has also been secured for the second carriageway.
The council also approved the detailed design and preparation for the demolition and reconstruction of the Carter Bridge in Lagos, with the design phase awarded to Advanced Engineering Consultants for ₦5.6 billion after technical assessments showed the bridge could no longer be rehabilitated.
In addition, FEC approved the reconstruction of an 86-kilometre section of the Abuja–Lokoja Road for ₦146 billion. The project will be executed using reinforced concrete by five contractors, including Julius Berger.
Umahi further revealed that the Federal Government plans to commission at least four road projects in each of the six geo-political zones by May 15.
Coastal reporters…
