FEC approves ₦740bn for Abuja-Kano road reconstruction
By Kunle Sanni
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved ₦740 billion for the reconstruction of the Berger section of the Abuja-Kano highway, as part of the government’s efforts to address critical infrastructure projects across Nigeria.
The announcement was made by Dave Umahi, Minister of Works, after the FEC meeting, chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday.
Umahi outlined the administration’s strategy to resolve the backlog of infrastructure projects, emphasizing the importance of key roadways that drive economic activities and transportation. The Abuja-Kano road, a major trade route, was placed at the top of the priority list, with the 162-kilometer Berger section approved for immediate reconstruction.
In addition to the Abuja-Kano project, the FEC approved the critical rehabilitation of the Shagamu-Benin road, with plans to utilize reinforced concrete pavement for the full reconstruction. The minister noted that procurement for other segments of the road is being finalized.
Other major infrastructure initiatives include the construction of the Sokoto-Badagry road, with the Sokoto section scheduled to commence soon. Meanwhile, work on the long-delayed Oyo-Ogbomosho road, which has been stalled for 18 years, will resume. Significant repairs will also begin on the Makurdi-Katsina-Ala road.
Umahi further disclosed that the government is addressing the inherited debt profile of ₦1.6 trillion tied to 2,604 ongoing projects with a total contract value of ₦13 trillion. This effort, he explained, is part of the broader plan to ensure the efficient delivery and sustainability of these essential infrastructure projects.
To manage the backlog, Umahi said the Ministry of Works has adopted a phased approach to project completion based on available funding. Examples include the Biu-Kangiwa-Kamba-Kaya Niger Republic road in Kebbi State, the Yola-Hong-Mubi road in Adamawa State, and the Kachako-Dambazau road in Kano State.
The council also approved advanced payment mechanisms to address inflation and rising costs driven by fluctuating exchange rates and petroleum prices.
Umahi explained, “We presented a memo to FEC requesting approval to pay a maximum of 30% advance payment, as allowed by the Procurement Act, where funds are available. Let me emphasize, the Act states ‘may pay,’ not ‘shall pay.’ This means advance payment is not obligatory.”
He further noted that, once a contractor has started work and the Ministry of Works is satisfied, additional funds can be disbursed beyond the initial 30%. This approach is aimed at mitigating the impact of inflation and fluctuations in costs, such as the exchange rate and petroleum prices, on project completion.
“We are doing everything within our available resources to manage inflation and ensure that projects are delivered efficiently,” Umahi added.
