The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the concession of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, alongside major road and aviation infrastructure projects valued at trillions of naira.
The approvals were announced on Monday by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), after the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu.
Umahi disclosed that the council approved the operation and maintenance concession of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway through a PPP model aimed at ensuring sustainable management of one of Nigeria’s busiest highways.
He also revealed that President Tinubu directed the immediate reconstruction of the failed section of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway using reinforced concrete technology.
According to him, the decision followed growing concerns over the deteriorating condition of the pavement and the need for a more durable solution.
In another major approval, the council authorised the reconstruction of about 409 kilometres of critical federal roads under the tax credit scheme.
The projects, which will be executed using reinforced concrete technology, are valued at approximately ₦1.8325 trillion.
Umahi further disclosed that FEC approved 23 additional road projects spread across 10 states, with a combined contract value of about ₦2.78 trillion.
The benefiting states are Adamawa, Taraba, Ebonyi, Kwara, Cross River, Kogi, Lagos, Niger, Oyo and Plateau.
According to the minister, the approvals reflect the federal government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure across the country while adopting more durable construction methods to reduce maintenance costs over time.
The council also approved a review of the contract sum for a 32.2-kilometre road project, increasing its value from about ₦14 billion to ₦15 billion.
Umahi attributed the upward review to the rising cost of construction materials, noting that the adjustment was necessary to ensure the successful completion of the project.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced that FEC approved the construction of the Boko Airstrip in Benue State at a cost of ₦34 billion.
Keyamo said the proposed airstrip is expected to serve multiple strategic purposes, including supporting agricultural activities across the Middle Belt and enhancing security operations in the region.
He explained that security agencies have faced operational challenges due to the lack of nearby airstrips and operational bases, making the project critical to ongoing efforts to combat insecurity.
The minister added that the facility would also serve as a hub for humanitarian interventions and emergency medical services, improving rapid response capabilities during crises.
According to him, the federal government considers the project a strategic investment that will strengthen security, promote economic activities and improve emergency response in Benue State and neighbouring areas.
