President Bola Tinubu has given the green light for the commencement of six significant road construction and rehabilitation initiatives spanning across Nigeria. In addition to these extensive projects, the President has also sanctioned the demolition of the current Carter Bridge in Lagos, paving the way for a new, modern replacement.
These pivotal infrastructure decisions were announced by the Minister of Works, Dav Umahi, on Wednesday.
Minister Umahi detailed the approved road projects, which include:
* **Suleja–Minna Road:** This project, initially awarded but later terminated due to substandard performance by the original contractor, with only 10 kilometers completed. The government has now committed to finishing the remaining 71 kilometers of the dual carriageway. One side of the road will be constructed by China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC) at an investment of ₦91 billion, while the second carriageway has received approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
* **New Carter Bridge, Lagos:** A budget of ₦5.6 billion has been allocated for the design and costing of a new Carter Bridge in Lagos. Expert evaluations and consultations have determined that the existing structure is beyond repair and requires complete demolition and replacement. Advanced Engineering Consultants have been appointed to undertake the detailed design and cost estimations prior to the procurement of a construction firm.
* **Kano–Kongolam Road:** This 132-kilometer tax credit project, originally slated for asphalt completion in 2022, has been re-scoped and redesigned as a three-lane concrete carriageway. The road, which serves as a crucial link between Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina states, will now feature enhanced security with solar-powered streetlights and CCTV surveillance. The revised project’s estimated cost is ₦334 billion.
* **Abuja–Lokoja Road Reconstruction:** Following the termination of contracts with two underperforming firms, an 86-kilometer stretch of the Abuja–Lokoja Road will undergo reconstruction using reinforced concrete. This segment will be handled by five contractors, including the already involved Julius Berger. The estimated cost for this reconstruction is ₦146 billion.
* **Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa Road Reconstruction:** The 103-kilometer dual carriageway, valued at ₦427 billion, was initially awarded by the previous administration but saw minimal progress. The current government has reviewed and re-awarded the contract for its completion.
* **Keffi–Nasarawa–Abaji Road Rehabilitation (Phase Two):** This phase of the rehabilitation project covers 129.3 kilometers and is budgeted at ₦203 billion. Minister Umahi highlighted that this road will significantly improve connectivity between Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory.
Furthermore, Minister Umahi announced the federal government’s ambitious plan to inaugurate at least four major road projects in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones by May 15.
