The Federal Government has approved road infrastructure contracts worth N4.2 trillion, targeting major highways and bridges across Nigeria, including the second phase of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road. Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, disclosed this on Monday after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja, presided over by President Bola Tinubu.
According to Umahi, the projects span multiple states, focusing on connectivity, road safety, and economic development. Among the largest allocations, N1.334 trillion was approved for the 130-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, with 65 kilometres covering Lagos and Ogun states, while the rest will stretch from Calabar through Akwa Ibom. The project will be executed under an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) framework, with a 10-year maintenance plan.
FEC also approved N470.9 billion for the Delta State access road and N148 billion for the Anambra access road leading to the Second Niger Bridge. The Abuja-Kano road, previously handled by Julius Berger, was restructured into two lots, while the Lokoja-Benin road reconstruction will be completed entirely with concrete for long-term durability at N305 billion.
A structural assessment contract worth N3.571 billion was approved for the Third Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge in Lagos to prevent further deterioration. The government also allocated N22 billion for the rehabilitation of the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway, N18 billion for the Musasa-Jos route, and N12.75 billion for road projects in Abia and Enugu.
Umahi assured Nigerians that concrete roads would be more durable and cost-effective than asphalt, with contracts awarded through a transparent process. He dismissed concerns about terminated contracts, particularly with Julius Berger, emphasizing that government negotiations have led to cost-saving measures while ensuring project completion.
FCT Infrastructure Development
FEC also approved N159.5 billion for road projects within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), aimed at improving accessibility and urban development. Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, detailed five major projects, including:
- Bus Terminal Access Road in Mabushi: N30.97 billion, awarded to SETRACO Nigeria Limited (completion in 18 months).
- Arterial Road from Wuye District to Ring Road II: N62.5 billion, awarded to Arab Contractors Nigeria Limited (20-month timeline).
- Kuje-Gwagwalada Dual Carriageway: N7.49 billion, awarded to Gilmor Engineering Nigeria Limited.
- Old Keffi Road Rehabilitation (Kado Village to Dei-Dei): N26.87 billion, awarded to Lubric Construction Company Limited (completion in 18 months).
- Access Road to Renewed Hope Cities and Estates (Kasana West District): N31.66 billion, awarded to Lubric Construction Nigeria Limited.
Bunkure emphasized that these projects align with the FCT administration’s commitment to urban expansion and enhanced road networks.
Creative Economy Initiative to Drive Economic Growth
The Federal Government also unveiled a strategic plan to position Nigeria’s creative and tourism sectors as key economic drivers, with a target of contributing at least $100 billion to the nation’s GDP and creating over two million jobs.
Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, announced the establishment of the Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation (CTIC) to develop critical infrastructure for Nigeria’s booming creative and tourism industries. Operating under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, the CTIC will attract local and international investments.
Musawa outlined key projects under the initiative, including:
- Abuja Resort Range and Abuja Creative City
- Revitalization of Yankari Game Reserve
- Development of 5,000 new cinema screens nationwide
- Wole Soyinka Centre for African Arts in Lagos
- National Digital Distribution Network for creative content
- Expansion of the National Arena to a 100,000-seat capacity
- Establishment of a Nigerian National Museum in Abuja
- Dedicated Nollywood production hubs and a world-class music arena
Musawa stressed that Nigeria’s creative and tourism potential remains untapped due to inadequate infrastructure. She highlighted the economic impact of investing in world-class facilities, particularly in cities like Lagos, which already host global entertainment events.
“This is a deliberate strategy by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to diversify the economy beyond oil and maximize Nigeria’s creative and cultural wealth,” Musawa stated.
The minister also emphasized collaboration with global stakeholders to secure investments and adopt innovative financing models for the CTIC projects. She assured that the government is creating a conducive environment for the private sector to thrive, marking a new era for Nigeria’s creative and tourism industries.
With the approval of massive infrastructure projects and a renewed focus on Nigeria’s creative economy, the Tinubu-led administration aims to drive economic growth, enhance mobility, and position the country as a global cultural and tourism hub.
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