The Federal Executive Council (FEC), led by President Bola Tinubu, has approved funding for several major road construction and rehabilitation projects across the country. This decision was made during the FEC meeting on Monday, February 4, 2025.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this to journalists after the meeting at the State House in Abuja. According to him, many of these road projects will use reinforced concrete pavement instead of asphalt, ensuring durability and cost efficiency.

Concrete Roads for a Better Nigeria

The government has decided to move away from the traditional asphalt method and adopt reinforced concrete pavementfor major roads like the Lokoja-Benin Road and Abuja-Kano Highway. The Minister of Works emphasized that concrete roads last longer and are more cost-effective in the long run.

He also issued a strict warning to contractors, stating that poor-quality work will not be tolerated. According to him, excuses such as high temperatures causing road failures will not be accepted, and any affected road sections will be repaired under close supervision.

List of Approved Road Projects

FEC has approved funding for several key road projects, including:

• Lokoja-Benin Road (₦305 billion)
• Lagos-Ibadan Expressway (Phase 2, Section 1) – ₦195 billion
• Structural evaluation of Third Mainland Bridge & Carter Bridge – ₦3.571 billion
• Ado-Ekiti–Igede Road – ₦5.4 billion
• Onitsha-Owerri Expressway – ₦22 billion
• Wusasa-Jos Road (Kaduna State) – ₦18 billion
• Abia & Enugu joint road project – ₦12.75 billion
• Abuja-Kano Highway – ₦252 billion

Breakdown of Major Allocations

• Delta State Access Road: ₦470.9 billion
• Second Niger Bridge Access Road (Anambra State): ₦148 billion
• Lokoja-Benin Road: Fully constructed with concrete, costing ₦305 billion
  • Obajana to Benin (Section I): ₦64 billion
  • Auchi to Edo (Section II): ₦110 billion
  • Benin Airport Area (Section III): ₦131 billion

The Abuja-Kano Highway has also been split into two major sections:

• Section 1: Covers the area from FCT to Niger State, with an additional 5.71 kilometers.
• Section 2: Covers parts of Kano State, including a 17-kilometer extension.

What This Means for Nigerians

These infrastructure projects are expected to improve road safety, reduce travel time, and enhance economic activities across the country. With a focus on quality construction and proper oversight, the government is committed to delivering long-lasting roads that will serve Nigerians for decades.