The Federal Government on Wednesday approved six major road projects across the country, including the demolition of the Carter Bridge in Lagos and the design of a new bridge to replace it.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents on the outcome of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu.
Details of the Projects
According to the minister, the approved projects include the reconstruction of the Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa Road, covering 103 kilometres of dual carriageway.
The project, which was re-awarded after minimal progress under the previous contract, was approved at a cost of ₦427 billion.
The council also approved the review, rescoping and redesign of the Kano–Kongolam Road project. The 132-kilometre road linking Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina states will now be constructed as a three-lane concrete carriageway instead of asphalt.
The project, which will include solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television (CCTV) installations, was awarded for ₦334 billion.
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The second phase of the Keffi–Nasarawa–Abaji Road rehabilitation project, covering 129.3 kilometres, was approved at a cost of ₦203 billion.
FEC also approved the completion of the remaining 71 kilometres of the Suleja–Minna dual carriageway, involving one carriageway, at a cost of ₦91 billion.
For the Carter Bridge project in Lagos, the council approved ₦5.6 billion for detailed design, costing and preparatory work ahead of the demolition of the existing structure and construction of a new bridge. The design phase will be handled by Advanced Engineering Consultants.
The reconstruction of an 86-kilometre section of the Abuja–Lokoja Road was also approved at a cost of ₦146 billion. The project will be executed by multiple contractors, including Julius Berger Nigeria.
Review of Existing Projects
Mr Umahi explained that the Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa Road project had been awarded by the previous administration but recorded little progress before the current government assumed office, prompting a review and re-award of the contract.
On the Kano–Kongolam Road, the minister said the project, which began about four years ago, was originally designed as an asphalt road but has now been upgraded to a three-lane concrete carriageway.
The redesign also includes solar-powered lighting and CCTV installations along the route.
He noted that the second phase of the Keffi–Nasarawa–Abaji Road rehabilitation would improve connectivity between Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory.
Umahi added that the Suleja–Minna Road project was initially awarded to Salini Construction Company but the contract was terminated due to poor performance. Only 10 kilometres of the road had been completed before the termination.
According to him, the council approved the completion of the remaining 71 kilometres of the dual carriageway. One carriageway has been awarded to China Geo-Engineering Corporation, while the second carriageway has already received clearance from the Bureau of Public Procurement.
Carter Bridge Replacement
The minister said a technical evaluation carried out on Carter Bridge showed that the structure could no longer be rehabilitated, leading to the decision to demolish it and build a new bridge.
On the Abuja–Lokoja Road project, he explained that the affected section would be reconstructed using reinforced concrete and handled by five contractors, including Julius Berger, which is already working on other sections of the corridor.
Umahi added that the government plans to commission at least four road projects in each of Nigeria’s six geo-political zones by 15 May.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
