President Bola Tinubu has given the go-ahead for more than 260 road repairs across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, revealed this after a closed-door meeting with the President at the Aso Rock Villa. These emergency repairs are estimated to cost around N217bn, covering various road construction works and upgrades.
The approved projects include significant initiatives such as the resurfacing of the Third Mainland Bridge, the construction of Lekki Deep Seaport road, and the reconstruction of two collapsed bridges in Enugu.
Additionally, two locations on the Onitsha-Owerri Road are slated for reconstruction. Among the approved roads for construction is the upgrading of the ongoing Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia road, along with the dualisation of the Lafia bypass.
Umahi commended President Tinubu for his consistent interest in addressing the deplorable state of the country’s roads. Last week, the President approved emergency repairs for several roads and bridges, including three collapsed bridges in the South-West and the Shendam-Lafia route. Notably, funds have been allocated for the immediate repairs of 17 points along the East-West Road damaged by floods.
The President also greenlit the resurfacing of the Third Mainland Bridge and repairs for noticeable deflections under the deck.
Furthermore, approvals were granted for the repair of two collapsed bridges in Enugu and the reconstruction of two defective locations on the Onitsha-Owerri Road and the Lokoja-Abuja Road.
In addition to the N217bn emergency repairs, President Tinubu approved the upgrading of the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia Road, involving a PPP with China, with the Nigerian government contributing 15 percent.
The construction of the Lafia Bypass dualisation, financed by the China EXIMBank, was also given the green light.
Moreover, Tinubu sanctioned the reconstitution of the Board of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to expedite road maintenance nationwide. Umahi emphasized that the reconstituted FERMA Board would enhance prompt road maintenance, addressing the country’s infrastructure needs.
