The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved eight critical road infrastructure projects valued at ₦594.49 billion across various states.
Minister of Works Dave Umahi announced the approvals following a cabinet meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja.
Furthermore, Nigeria and four neighboring West African nations are actively seeking regional funding for the ambitious Lagos-Abidjan highway corridor.
The transnational transport project aims to bolster cross-border trade, economic integration, and seamless regional connectivity.
Consequently, the administration continues prioritizing heavy infrastructure investments to spur industrial growth and national development.
“Regional Connectivity”: West African Nations Push for AfDB Highway Funding
During the presidential briefing, Umahi confirmed that ministerial delegations from Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire will convene to finalize financial arrangements.
- Transnational Corridor: The 1,028-kilometer highway features a 79-kilometer stretch in Nigeria, spanning from Tincan Island in Lagos to the Seme border.
- Multilateral Support: Participating countries are pursuing financing packages from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to construct their respective sections.
- Economic Integration: Regional leaders believe the highway will dramatically improve freight movement and commercial collaboration across West Africa.
Furthermore, Umahi will chair the upcoming multilateral talks focused on fast-tracking financial closures for the vital trade route.
Domestic Infrastructure Approvals and East-West Road Repairs
Shifting to domestic projects, the Federal Executive Council approved contract sums ranging from ₦11.33 billion to ₦209 billion for nationwide road networks.
Approved developments include the 95-kilometer E2K-Okey-Ampa-Otopa Road in Kogi State and the 81.1-kilometer Ado-Ekiti-Ijan-Ilumoba-Ikole Road in Ekiti State.
“We are committed to delivering durable infrastructure that transforms economic prospects,” federal officials maintained.
Meanwhile, cabinet members authorized urgent remedial works on deteriorated sections of the critical East-West Road.
Finally, the federal government urges all designated contractors to maintain strict adherence to project timelines and engineering quality standards.
