The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, covering 130 kilometres of dual carriageway from Calabar through Akwa Ibom, valued at N1.334 trillion.
The project is divided into multiple sections to fast-track its completion with ongoing construction in Lagos and Ogun states.
It also approved N885 billion for the execution of 10 critical infrastructure projects aimed at upgrading Nigeria’s road networks and bridges across various states.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, who made this disclosure at the end of the meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, listed other the key projects approved to include the reconstruction of three sections of the Lokoja-Benin Road, a crucial corridor for trade and transportation. The project will be carried out in concrete and includes:Obajana to Benin (Section I): N64 billion, Auchi to Edo (Section II): N110 billion,Benin Airport to Edo (Section III): N131 billion.The total cost of this project alone is over N305 billion.
In addition, the minister said FEC approved N252 billion for the Abuja-Kano Highway, which has been restructured and divided into two key sections. Section 1 extends from the FCT boundary to Niger State, with scope increased by 5.71 kilometers, while Section 3 covers areas in Kano State with an extended scope of 17 kilometers.
Umahi said the majority of the project will be built using concrete, with solar lighting installations along its 118-kilometer stretch.
The council also gave the green light for the reconstruction of the Second Niger Bridge access roads in Delta and Anambra states.
The Delta State section is set to be constructed using concrete for a contract sum of N470.9 billion, while the Anambra section will cost N148 billion.
Further approvals included Onitsha-Owerri Expressway: N22 billion, Musasa-Jos-Kaduna Road: N18 billion and Abia and Enugu State Road Rehabilitation: N12.75 billion.
In Lagos, he said FEC approved N3.571 billion for a comprehensive evaluation of the Third Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge. The assessment will involve investigating the structural integrity of underwater piles and providing solutions to prevent further deterioration.
Another crucial project is the continuation of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway (Phase II, Section I), approved at N195 billion.
Umahi noted that the federal government is committed to ensuring cost-effective solutions, especially by transitioning several major road projects to concrete construction, which is expected to be more durable and cost-efficient in the long term.
He highlighted the ministry’s success in renegotiating project costs, saying, “By adopting concrete for key sections, we have saved significant costs compared to previous projections.”
Umahi also addressed concerns about delays and structural issues on some roads, including sections of the Abuja-Lokoja Road, assuring that contractors have been tasked with rectifying the problems.
We are not accepting excuses such as high temperatures for road failures. The affected sections are being redone with proper oversight,” he said.
Council also approved a substantial investment of N159.5 billion for five major infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the road networks and transportation systems within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, made this disclosure while briefing newsmen.
Among the significant projects included in this approval is the construction of a bus terminal at Mabushi, which has been awarded to Setraco Nigeria Limited for N30.97 billion. This project is expected to be completed within 18 months and is part of a broader strategy to improve urban mobility in Abuja.
Another critical project is the Arterial Road N1, which will connect Wuye District to Ring Road II. Valued at N62.5 billion, this contract has been awarded to Arab Contractors Nigeria Limited and is projected to take 20 months to complete.
Additionally, the government has sanctioned the Kuje-Gwagwalada dual carriageway project, aimed at enhancing connectivity between key satellite towns. This project, costing N7.5 billion, has been awarded to Gilmo Engineering Nigeria Limited.
The rehabilitation of Old Keffi Road, a vital 15-kilometer stretch linking Kado Village to Dei-Dei, is also on the agenda with a budget of N26.87 billion, awarded to Lubric Construction Company Limited, set for completion in 18 months.
Finally, an access road to the Renewed Hope Cities and Estate Project in Kasana West District has been approved for N31.66 billion, also awarded to Lubric Construction Company Limited with an expected completion timeline of 18 months.
Minister Bunkure emphasised that these infrastructure projects are designed not only to improve mobility but also to stimulate socio-economic activities and enhance access to residential and commercial developments throughout the FCT.
She assured that these contracts would be closely monitored to ensure timely delivery and adherence to quality standards.
This infrastructure initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s broader vision for urban development and connectivity in Nigeria’s capital, reflecting a commitment to address long-standing infrastructural deficits and promote economic growth across both urban and satellite areas.
In a related development, government also approved the establishment of the Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation, aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s creative potential through public-private partnerships. This initiative is expected to generate significant GDP growth and create millions of jobs, particularly for youth,
thereby further enhancing Nigeria’s economic landscape.
Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, described it as a major step toward transforming the nation’s creative landscape.
“This initiative aims to propel Nigeria’s creative and tourism industries to new heights by developing critical infrastructure that will boost economic growth and global soft power,” Musawa said.
Established in October 2024, the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy has been tasked with fostering creativity and innovation to enhance Nigeria’s standing on the global stage.
Musawa emphasised that the new corporation will serve as a “special-purpose vehicle” for identifying, deploying, and financing critical infrastructure within the creative sector, addressing longstanding challenges.
“We all know that Nigeria’s creativity attracts global attention, and the President has been intentional about diversifying the government’s focus to include the creative industry and innovation,” she said.
Key objectives of the Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation include generating $100 billion in GDP growth and creating at least 2 million jobs, particularly for Nigeria’s youth.
Development partners and stakeholders from around the world have been engaged to support the innovative infrastructure and financing approaches required for the project.
Highlighting the infrastructure gap that has limited the sector’s growth, Musawa cited last December’s “Detty December” celebrations in Lagos as an example of Nigeria’s creative potential. “Imagine the impact if such events had the necessary infrastructure to support their growth,” she said.
Several large-scale projects have been outlined under the initiative, including:The creation of an Abuja resort range, expansion of Yankari Game Reserve,development of an Abuja Creator City,construction of 5,000 new cinema screens,establishment of a Wole Soyinka Center Wole Soyinka Center for African Arts in Lagos,a nationwide digital distribution network and upgrades to the National Gallery and national arena capacity.
One notable project is the construction of a national museum in Abuja. “Imagine the Giant of Africa without a museum in its capital city—this is a gap we are determined to fill,” Musawa said.
The initiative also includes plans to position Nollywood as a global destination for film production and develop a world-class music arena.
Musawa expressed optimism for the future. “This is a wonderful day for Nigeria’s tourism and creative industries. By bridging the infrastructure gap and fostering a new mindset, we can fully realize the economic value of these sectors and deliver widespread benefits to the Nigerian public.”
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said another council meeting holds today because of a number of memos to be treated.