The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved 13 road contracts valued at N679 billion to enhance infrastructure across several states, focusing on road rehabilitation and new construction projects.
Following the FEC meeting, Minister of Works, Dave Umahi detailed the approved contracts, emphasizing the government’s priority on completing existing projects within available budgetary allocations.
Among the key approvals, the Alkalari-Ukuk road in Bauchi state will be completed in phases, with phase 1 set for six months at a cost of N11.278 billion.Similarly, the Uturu-Isuikwato-Akara road in Abia state, will undergo a phased execution, with Phase 1 estimated at N5.926 billion.
A significant new project involves constructing a road linking Zaria through through Ukui to Kolomani, Dan Bali, Maraba, Kany, Subawa, and Kasa in Kaduna and Katsina states.The contract, awarded to MotherCat Nigeria Limited is valued at N198 billion and will span 36 months.
Additionally, the rehabilitation of the Kano-Maiduguri road, specifically the section previously terminated from Dantata Sowo, has been reassigned to Tractor Nigeria Limited. The 18-month project will cost N128. 395 billion.
Other approvals include, Bagudu road in Kebbi state, Obanewi-Arisizogu-Okiwe road in Imo and Anambra states, Enyi-IIawi-Ekiti road, Wukari-Akwana road in Taraba state, Bida-Lapaya-Lambda road in Niger state, among others.
Umahi reiterated that the federal government is focused on prioritizing inherit projects and ensuring resources are effectively allocated. He stressed the importance of protecting existing road infrastructure, particularly those with binder courses vulnerable to rain damage.
“Our focus is to use the available funds to protect and improve completed work,” Umahi stated. “We must ensure that roads under construction are safeguarded, so they are not damaged by natural elements before completion.”
The minister assured that all approved projects align with the government’s budgetary allocations, ensuring efficient execution and timely completion.