FEC approves ₦1trn road projects, orders reconstruction of Carter bridge and key highways nationwide
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a series of major road and bridge projects nationwide, including the reconstruction of critical highways and the redesign of the Carter Bridge in Lagos.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed the approvals on Wednesday while briefing journalists at the State House in Abuja following the FEC meeting presided over by Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to Umahi, the council cleared six major infrastructure projects aimed at boosting connectivity and strengthening Nigeria’s transport network.
Among them is the completion of the long-delayed Suleja–Minna Road project. The contract was initially awarded to Salini Construction Company but was later terminated over poor performance after only about 10 kilometres had been completed.
The federal government has now approved the completion of the remaining 71 kilometres of the dual carriageway. One carriageway has been awarded to China Geo-Engineering Corporation at a cost of ₦91 billion, while the second carriageway has received clearance from the Bureau of Public Procurement. Umahi said President Tinubu directed that the road be constructed with reinforced concrete to ensure durability.
In Lagos, FEC approved ₦5.6 billion for the design and cost assessment of a new Carter Bridge. Umahi said technical reviews and stakeholder consultations concluded that the existing structure can no longer be rehabilitated and must be demolished and replaced.
He disclosed that Advanced Engineering Consultants has been engaged to undertake the detailed design and cost evaluation ahead of the procurement process for the new bridge.
The council also approved the review and rescoping of the Kano–Kongolam Road, a tax credit project originally awarded in 2022. The 132-kilometre corridor linking Kano, Jigawa and Katsina states was initially designed as an asphalt road but has now been upgraded to a three-lane concrete carriageway. The revised project, estimated at ₦334 billion, will include solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television (CCTV) installations to enhance security along the route.
