FEC allocates ₦631.3bn for nine road projects nationwide

By Onu Okorie

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved ₦631.3 billion for nine road infrastructure projects across the country as part of efforts to improve transportation, strengthen economic activities and enhance connectivity among states.
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, disclosed this to State House correspondents on Wednesday after the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the Federal Ministry of Works, the approvals cover strategic road projects in several states, as well as remedial works and rehabilitation interventions aimed at addressing critical infrastructure gaps and improving the movement of people and goods.
Among the projects approved are the 81.1-kilometre Ado–Ilawe–Ilumaba–Ikole Road in Ekiti State and the 95-kilometre Etuke–Okene–Ankpa–Otopa Road in Kogi State.
The council also approved the Bichi Ring Road in Kano State, which is expected to ease traffic congestion, improve urban connectivity and facilitate movement within the expanding metropolitan area.
Other approved interventions include road projects in Adamawa and Taraba states, remedial works on the East-West Road and the rehabilitation of the Sokoto–Illela Road.
The ministry said the projects were intended to improve regional connectivity, support commercial activities and enhance access to essential services in affected communities.
It added that improved road infrastructure would help farmers transport agricultural produce to markets, enable businesses to distribute goods more efficiently and reduce transportation costs.
The investments are also expected to support trade, tourism, industrial development and employment generation across the country.
The ministry said the approvals were in line with the infrastructure development objectives of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway Nears Completion
In a related development, Umahi announced significant progress on the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway, disclosing that the first 118 kilometres of the highway had been completed, while work on the remaining sections was nearing completion.
He said the completed sections featured both asphaltic and concrete pavements and were equipped with solar-powered streetlights to improve visibility and safety at night.
The expressway is a major transportation corridor linking communities and commercial centres across northern Nigeria. It serves passenger traffic and the movement of agricultural produce, industrial goods and other commodities.
Completion of the ongoing works is expected to improve travel along the corridor and support commercial and economic activities between the connected areas.
The ministry described the progress as part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to upgrade major national highways and improve the quality and reliability of the country’s road network.
Roads Critical to Economic Development
The Federal Ministry of Works said investments in road infrastructure remained essential to economic productivity, food security and national integration.
It noted that efficient road networks improve access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities and other public services, while helping businesses strengthen supply chains and reach more customers.
The ministry, however, stressed the importance of effective project implementation, quality assurance, transparency and value for money to ensure that approved investments deliver tangible benefits to Nigerians.
It reaffirmed its commitment to developing and maintaining a national road network capable of supporting economic growth, facilitating trade and improving connectivity across the federation.