FEC approves N2.22trn for Lagos-Calabar highway, other projects

By Kunle Sanni
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a series of major infrastructure projects across Nigeria, with a combined value exceeding N2.22 trillion. The approvals include the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, key road reconstructions, and critical upgrades to bridges and transportation networks.
The council has given the green light for the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a 130-kilometer dual carriageway traversing Calabar through Akwa Ibom. The project, valued at N1.334 trillion, is expected to boost regional connectivity and economic activity along Nigeria’s coastal corridor.
FEC also approved N885 billion for 10 critical infrastructure projects, including the reconstruction of three sections of the Lokoja-Benin Road, a vital trade route. The project, which will be executed using concrete, is divided into: Obajana to Benin (Section I): N64 billion, Auchi to Edo (Section II): N110 billion, and Benin Airport to Edo (Section III): N131 billion. The total cost for the Lokoja-Benin Road project is N305 billion.
In addition, N252 billion has been allocated for the Abuja-Kano Highway, which has been restructured into two sections. Section 1 extends from the FCT boundary to Niger State, with an increased scope of 5.71 kilometers, while Section 3 covers parts of Kano State, extending by 17 kilometers. The highway will primarily be built using concrete and will feature solar lighting along its 118-kilometer stretch.
The council also approved the reconstruction of the Second Niger Bridge access roads in Delta and Anambra states. The Delta section will be constructed for N470.9 billion using concrete, while the Anambra section will cost N148 billion.
Additional road rehabilitation projects include the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway at N22 billion, Musasa-Jos-Kaduna Road at N18 billion, and Abia and Enugu Road Rehabilitation at N12.75 billion.
In Lagos, N3.571 billion has been approved for a comprehensive evaluation of the Third Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge. This study will assess underwater structural integrity and propose solutions to prevent further deterioration.
Furthermore, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway (Phase II, Section I) has been approved at N195 billion. The federal government has emphasized the importance of transitioning major road projects to concrete construction, citing its durability and cost-efficiency.
Responding to concerns over delays and structural issues on key roads such as the Abuja-Lokoja Road, contractors have been directed to rectify the problems.
The government has also stated that it will not accept excuses like high temperatures as reasons for road failures. Affected sections are being reconstructed with strict oversight.
The FEC also approved N159.5 billion for five major infrastructure projects within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. These include the Mabushi Bus Terminal at N30.97 billion, awarded to Setraco Nigeria Limited with an 18-month completion timeline, and the Arterial Road N1 connecting Wuye District to Ring Road II, valued at N62.5 billion, awarded to Arab Contractors Nigeria Limited, with a projected 20-month completion period.