BY EMMA PETER, ABUJA
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved ₦631.3 billion for nine road infrastructure projects across Nigeria as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to improve transportation networks, enhance economic activities and strengthen national integration.
The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, disclosed this to State House correspondents after the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
According to a press statement made available to journalists in Abuja by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Works, Mohammed Ahmed, and obtained by Oxford Reporters, the approved projects cover several states and include new road construction, remedial works and rehabilitation interventions.
The ministry said the approvals reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing critical infrastructure gaps, improving connectivity between communities and supporting economic development across the country.
Among the projects approved is the 81.1-kilometre Ado–Ilawe–Ilumaba–Ikole Road in Ekiti State, which is expected to improve transportation, facilitate trade and stimulate economic activities within the state and neighbouring communities.
The Council also approved the 95-kilometre Etuke–Okene–Ankpa–Otopa Road in Kogi State, a project expected to strengthen regional connectivity, improve road transportation and support commercial activities.
Another project is the Bichi Ring Road in Kano State, which is expected to ease traffic congestion, improve urban mobility and facilitate movement within the expanding metropolitan area.
Other approvals cover road projects in Adamawa and Taraba states, remedial works on the East-West Road and the rehabilitation of the Sokoto–Illela Road.
According to the ministry, the projects are expected to improve access to markets and essential services while supporting agriculture, trade, tourism and industrial development in the affected areas.
The statement noted that effective road networks were essential to economic growth because they enable farmers to transport agricultural produce to markets, help businesses distribute goods more efficiently and improve access to education, healthcare and other public services.
It added that investments in road infrastructure could also reduce transportation costs, strengthen supply chains, attract private-sector investment and create employment opportunities.
In a related development, Umahi disclosed that the first 118-kilometre sections of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway had been completed, while work on the remaining portions was nearing completion.
The completed sections, constructed with asphaltic and concrete pavements, are equipped with solar-powered streetlights to improve visibility and enhance road safety at night.
The development marks progress on one of Nigeria’s major transportation corridors, which serves passenger movement, commercial transportation and economic activities across several parts of the country.
The highway is strategically important to the movement of people and goods, particularly between Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria and Kano, making its completion significant to regional trade and connectivity.
The Ministry of Works stated that the Federal Government remained committed to delivering infrastructure projects that would improve road quality, strengthen transportation networks and support national development.
It further emphasised the importance of effective project implementation, quality assurance, transparency and value for money to ensure that the approved investments deliver tangible benefits to Nigerians.
The latest FEC approvals form part of the Federal Government’s infrastructure development programme under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises improved connectivity and the development of critical national infrastructure.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to developing and maintaining a robust road network capable of supporting economic productivity, national integration and sustainable development.
