The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Thursday approved more than N43 billion for the completion of Phase II, Section II of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, marking a major step forward in the government’s ongoing road infrastructure expansion.
The approval was part of a wider set of new and revised projects under the Ministry of Works.
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, briefed reporters after the council meeting at the State House, explaining that the latest funding covers additional components not included in earlier phases, such as flyovers, underpasses, concrete pavement, ramps, and adjoining roads.
“This project was awarded about five years ago but did not take off. When Mr. President assumed office, FEC terminated the previous contract.
”We have now re-awarded Phase II, Section II for N43 billion, including underpasses, concrete pavement, ramps, and adjoining roads,” Umahi said.
In another key development, FEC approved a revision of the Mushin–NNPC Junction–Apapa–Oshodi Expressway dualisation.
Originally awarded in 2022 for N11 billion, the project’s cost has now risen to N19.09 billion to reflect inflation and escalating construction costs.
The 14.4-kilometre stretch is critical for improving access to Lagos ports and industrial corridors.
The council also sanctioned the third section of the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, covering the Badagry–Ogun–Oyo border segment of 162.97 kilometres.
The project will feature reinforced concrete pavement at a cost of N3.39 billion per kilometre.
Similarly, the Ilorin–Omu Aran–Egba Road (206.7km) has been divided into phases for funding purposes. Phase I, spanning 31 kilometres, was approved for N43 billion, with subsequent sections to be implemented as budgetary provisions allow.
For the Enugu–Onitsha Road (OP Junction–Ukehe–Okatu–Abu Udi–Oji–Anambra border), Phase I of 35.1 kilometres was valued at N28.47 billion.
Umahi noted that N21 billion has already been disbursed, leaving a balance of N7 billion.
The Minister also provided an update on the East–West Road project in Rivers State, inherited by the Tinubu administration at an initial cost of N156 billion for two carriageways, three flyovers, and two bridges.
Due to high traffic volumes and redesigns in pavement structure, the project has been phased.
One carriageway has been completed, and 30 percent of the second carriageway is underway.
Pending flyovers at Abuloma and Refinery Junctions are expected to be presented for fresh award before the end of the month.
In Ogun State, revisions to the Ota–Idiroko Road, Section I (14km), increased costs from N43 billion to N98 billion due to a switch from flexible to rigid pavement and the discovery of high underground water levels.
The 509-metre flyover with dual ramps was similarly reviewed upward from N17 billion to N23 billion.
Other approved projects include Phase II (42km) of the Wasasa–Turunku–Mararaba Road in Kaduna State, costing N30.23 billion, following an earlier N18 billion approval for Phase I (7.8km).
The Ijebu Igbo–Etapa–Owoyen Road, linking Ogun and Oyo states, was also revised.
Initially awarded for N13 billion to cover 30km, it has now been extended by 7km and revalued at N53 billion with reinforced concrete and enhanced subgrade design.
Umahi attributed the cost adjustments to design improvements, challenging terrain, and inflationary pressures, noting that the price of reinforcement steel has risen to over N1.1 million per ton.
He further disclosed that the governors of Edo, Delta, and Abia states have taken over the funding and execution of selected federal roads within their jurisdictions to reduce the fiscal burden on the federal government.
