President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Executive Council has awarded 51 contracts worth N6.27 trillion for procuring, constructing, and developing various infrastructural projects across the federation in the past eight months.
From October 16, 2023, to May 14, 2024, these contracts were allocated to boost infrastructure in critical sectors, including roads, bridges, rail systems, and airports.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC), Nigeria’s highest executive body comprising senior government officials and ministers, has played a key role in these decisions, reflecting the President’s commitment to massive infrastructure development.
During his inaugural speech on May 29 last year, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of infrastructure in his administration. “We shall continue the efforts of the Buhari administration on infrastructure. Progress toward national networks of roads, rail, and ports shall get priority attention,” he declared.
In the FEC’s inaugural meeting last August, Tinubu urged his cabinet members to work diligently and address the high expectations of Nigerians. “You and I know that expectations are high, and these are tough times. We must work hard and create a buoyant economy that will serve Nigeria. We have an unacceptable employment rate, and we are facing threats from climate change,” he stated.
Among the significant projects, the Ministry of Works secured an approval of N89 billion on May 14 for the reconstruction of the Koton-Karfe-Abaji road along the Abuja-Lokoja route in Kogi State. On the same date, a N120 billion contract was awarded for the equalization of the Lokoja-Benin road. Additionally, N1.6 trillion was allocated for section two of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, while N546 billion was apportioned for roads and bridges in various states including Kwara, Edo, and Kebbi.
The first phase of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway was approved on February 26 for N1.067 trillion. This section will feature a dual carriageway and a train track, spanning nine states. Hitech Construction Company Limited will handle the project under an Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing arrangement.
On March 26, FEC approved N1.495 trillion for 29 roads and bridges across the country. These projects include the Bukuru bridge in Benue State and a road from Shaki to Okerete in Oyo State.
In the aviation sector, N4.2 billion was allocated for the supply and installation of disabled aircraft recovery systems at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos. Additionally, N6.33 billion was approved for technical support services at the Lagos airport and a new air traffic management system at Port Harcourt International Airport.