The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved contracts worth N79 billion for the construction and dualization of major road projects across Nigeria. Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this during a briefing after the FEC meeting, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure and easing traffic congestion.
Among the approved projects is the construction of a new road aimed at reducing traffic congestion in a specific location. The contract for this project has been awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) at a total cost of N24 billion.
“The Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano section two, the contractor that is doing section one and section three, competitively won section two. And that is infoWest Nigeria Limited. That’s what we have,” Umahi stated, confirming that the bidding process was transparent and competitive.
Umahi also revealed that the FEC deliberated on and approved the contract for the dualization of the Odukpani-Itu-Idedem Item-Ikot Ekpene Road, which spans Cross River and Akwa Ibom states. The project is set to cost N55 billion and will be executed by Decon Construction Nigeria Limited.
“The first one was the approval for the award of the contract for the dualization of Odukpani-Itu-Idedem Item in Ikot Ekpene Road in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, and the total amount is N55 billion in favor of Decon Construction Nigeria Limited,” Umahi explained.
According to the Minister, the Tinubu administration inherited three sections of the Odukpani-Itu-Idedem Item-Ikot Ekpene project, which were previously awarded to different contractors. He noted that the first section was handled by CCECC, the second by Julius Berger, and the third by Samatech.
“So when we came on board, there was a need to review all the projects. And whereas the two other contractors, CCECC and Samatech, accepted the review, Berger insisted that the project should be reviewed up to 100 and something billion naira, and that warranted terminating it,” Umahi stated.
The Minister explained that due to Julius Berger’s demand for a cost review exceeding N100 billion, the government had to terminate its contract and initiate a new bidding process. He emphasized that the reprocurement process was conducted through selective competitive bidding.
“This project is being reprocured through selective competitive bidding. And this record won it at N55 billion, as against N190 billion,” Umahi added, pointing out the significant cost reduction achieved under the current administration.
Umahi assured that the re-awarded contracts would be executed efficiently and delivered within the stipulated timeline, stressing that the government was keen on ensuring value for money and timely project completion.
He further noted that the government’s road infrastructure strategy focuses on eliminating bottlenecks, enhancing connectivity, and fostering economic development in the affected regions.
The dualization of the Odukpani-Itu-Idedem Item-Ikot Ekpene Road is expected to improve transportation between Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, facilitating easier movement of goods and people within the South-South region.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road project, emphasizing its role in strengthening economic activities in northern Nigeria.
“The successful execution of these projects will significantly enhance Nigeria’s road network and support the government’s economic diversification agenda,” Umahi said.
He reiterated that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to completing inherited projects while ensuring new projects are awarded transparently and efficiently.
