FEC approves ₦34.4bn Benue airstrip, ₦286bn maritime projects – Keyamo, Lawal
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the construction of a ₦34.398 billion airstrip in Gboko, Benue State, and maritime projects worth about ₦286 billion aimed at improving aviation infrastructure, maritime safety and unlocking Nigeria’s blue economy.
The approvals were announced on Monday by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who was represented by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, after the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Keyamo said the council approved the award of the Gboko airstrip contract to CCECC Nigeria Limited at a cost of ₦34.398 billion.
He explained that the facility would serve as a strategic hub for agricultural activities, enhance security operations, and support humanitarian interventions and emergency medical services in Benue State and neighbouring communities.
On the maritime sector, Lawal said FEC approved projects worth about ₦286 billion to strengthen maritime safety, improve port operations and protect Nigeria’s marine environment.
He said the approvals include the acquisition of specialised boats to tackle plastic pollution and other contaminants in Nigeria’s waterways, noting that cleaner waterways would improve shipping navigation and environmental sustainability.
According to him, the council also approved the purchase of six pilot cutter boats valued at about ₦80.03 billion to facilitate the safe transportation of marine pilots, assist vessels navigating port channels and improve communication between ships and the Nigerian Ports Authority.
Lawal further disclosed that FEC approved the acquisition of two firefighting boats worth about ₦34.06 billion to strengthen emergency response to fires involving ships, oil terminals, waterfront facilities and other critical port infrastructure.
