The Federal Government approves major road construction and rehabilitation projects in several states as David Umahi announces progress on the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria corridor and plans for financing the Lagos–Abidjan Coastal Highway.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved approximately ₦631.3 billion for nine road infrastructure projects across Nigeria, covering the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation and repair of major highways.
Minister of Works David Umahi disclosed the approvals on Wednesday after the council meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.
Umahi said the projects were designed to improve road connectivity, strengthen transportation networks and support economic activities in the affected states.
Among the approved projects is the reconstruction of the 95-kilometre Etuke–Okeni–Ankpa–Otopa Road in Kogi State, which received an allocation of ₦167 billion.
The council also approved ₦209 billion for the reconstruction of the 81.1-kilometre Ado–Ilawe–Ilumaba–Ikole Road in Ekiti State. The project includes the construction of a bridge.
Another ₦62 billion was approved for the Tungo–Karamti Road linking Adamawa and Taraba states. The project will feature five bridges to improve connectivity along the route.
FEC further approved ₦20.257 billion for an 18-kilometre road linking Asiago to the Port Harcourt–Enugu Expressway.
An additional ₦30 billion was allocated for remedial works on deteriorated sections of the East–West Road, which serves as an important transport corridor.
The council also approved ₦11.33 billion for a road project previously handled by the Abia State Government. Umahi explained that the decision followed the discontinuation of the project’s funding arrangement under the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s tax-credit scheme.
Another ₦28.218 billion was approved for the rehabilitation of a 17-kilometre section of the Sokoto–Illela Road, designated Route A1.
The approvals form part of the Federal Government’s ongoing road infrastructure programme aimed at improving road conditions and transportation links across the country.
Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria Road Records Significant Progress
Umahi also commended President Tinubu following the completion of the first 118-kilometre section of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria Road.
The minister said the section was completed within 30 months, with 81 kilometres constructed using reinforced concrete pavement.
He added that work on the second section, covering 164 kilometres, was approaching completion, with only 16 kilometres remaining.
According to Umahi, the entire 375-kilometre Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano corridor would also be equipped with solar-powered streetlights.
The project is expected to improve road infrastructure along one of the country’s major transportation routes.
West African Ministers to Discuss Coastal Highway Financing
The minister also announced plans for a meeting on Friday involving ministers from countries along the Lagos–Abidjan Coastal Highway corridor to discuss funding arrangements for the regional infrastructure project.
The proposed highway spans five West African countries, with the following route lengths:
- Nigeria: 79 kilometres
- Togo: 89 kilometres
- Ghana: 576 kilometres
- Côte d’Ivoire: 155 kilometres
- Benin Republic: 128 kilometres
Umahi said the proposed financing arrangement would involve the African Development Bank providing loans to participating countries to fund construction of their respective sections of the highway.
The regional road project is intended to improve cross-border transportation, strengthen connectivity among participating countries and facilitate trade across West Africa.
The planned ministerial discussions are expected to address financing arrangements for the different sections of the corridor as the participating countries pursue the regional infrastructure initiative.
