The Federal Executive Council (FEC), presided over by President Bola Tinubu, has approved the implementation of road projects across various states, totaling approximately N1,455,170,000,000. This was announced by Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, during a briefing with State House Correspondents after the council meeting held at the Council Chambers in Abuja.
Umahi provided details on the approved projects, highlighting several significant road rehabilitation initiatives:
- Abeokuta-Iboro-Ilaro Road, Ogun State: Approved at N57 billion for Strabic Construction.
- Mubi to Maiduguri Road, Section Three: Approved at N89 billion, a project by NNPC awarded to MESSRS Decency Associates Limited.
- Mubi to Maiduguri Road, Section Two: Approved at N67 billion to address a previously uncontracted section.
- Benin-Akure-Ilesha Road: A 300km stretch approved at N525 billion for HiTech Construction using concrete pavement.
- Benin-Akure Road, Section Two: 66km dualised road approved at N286 billion for HiTech Construction.
- Angingali-Udobi-Udona-Umo-Uwana-Ubalaka Road, Imo State: Reviewed from N14 billion to N26.46 billion under NNPC.
- Aba-Owerri Road, Abia State: Reviewed and approved at N21 billion for Rudo Nigeria Limited.
- Odukpani Itu in Ikot-Ekpene, Cross Rivers State: Reviewed from N50 billion to N79 billion for reinforced concrete pavement by CCECC.
- Enugu-Port Harcourt Road: Revised from N63 billion to N83 billion in favor of CCECC.
- Igomu Bridge: Approved at N19.87 billion for Buildwell Nigeria Limited.
- Ore-Ondo-Akure Road: Special intervention project due to flooding, approved at N134 billion for CBC Nigeria Limited.
- Ofin-Oreta Road, Ikorodu, Lagos State: Approved at N27.9 billion for GRB with an 18-month construction period.
Additionally, the FEC approved the procurement of 7,887 dialysis consumables to enhance healthcare for kidney disease patients. Minister of Health and Coordinating Minister for Social Work, Ali Pate, announced that these consumables would be distributed across seven federal tertiary hospitals, including the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and the National Hospital in Abuja. This initiative aims to address the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes by making treatment more affordable and promoting preventive measures.
Pate emphasized the importance of prevention alongside treatment, with plans for public health screenings and lifestyle modifications to reduce future cases of kidney disease.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, also announced the approval of three key memos aimed at combating crime and corruption in Nigeria. These measures involve comprehensive strategies for investigation, prosecution, and post-conviction processes, with a focus on international cooperation, particularly with Spain. The agreements facilitate the exchange of information, assistance in apprehending fugitives, and the transfer of convicted individuals to serve sentences in their home countries. These efforts are intended to ensure that criminals cannot evade justice and reinforce the government’s commitment to a robust legal framework.
