The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved ₦493 billion for two major infrastructure projects, the upgrade of the Kano–Katsina Road and the construction of a new Carter Bridge in Lagos State.
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, announced this while briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Umahi explained that the 152-kilometre Kano–Katsina Road, earlier split into two sections under the previous administration, has undergone significant cost adjustments due to economic realities.
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The first section, spanning 74.1 kilometres, was initially awarded in 2013 for ₦14 billion, later revised to ₦24 billion, and is now updated to ₦68 billion. The second section, covering 79.5 kilometres, was awarded in 2019 for ₦29 billion, increased to ₦46 billion, and has now been revised to ₦66.115 billion.
This brings the total cost to about ₦134 billion. Section One is allocated ₦6 billion in the 2024 budget and ₦34 billion in 2025, while Section Two will receive ₦80 billion over the same period.
On the Carter Bridge, Umahi revealed that underwater inspections in 2013 and 2019 found severe structural damage caused by illegal sand mining, erosion, and corrosion. Julius Berger, the contractor handling repairs, advised that the bridge was beyond repair and should be replaced.
The new bridge is estimated to cost ₦359 billion, with funding discussions ongoing with Deutsche Bank. Umahi also disclosed that the 3rd Mainland Bridge has similar underwater structural issues, with rehabilitation estimated at ₦3.8 trillion and new construction at ₦3.6 trillion.
FEC has approved the engagement of at least seven specialist contractors under an EPC+F (Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing) model to carry out investigations, design, and bidding on both rehabilitation and replacement options for the Carter and 3rd Mainland Bridges. Public-private partnership (PPP) bids will also be considered.
The Council also endorsed emergency interventions for several other bridges, including Jalingo Bridge in Taraba State, Ido Bridge with fire damage, Keffi Flyover in Nasarawa State, Mokwa Bridge in Niger State, a damaged bridge on the Abuja–Kogi road, bridges along the Lagos–Ibadan corridor affected by vehicle collisions, Jebba Bridge in Kwara State, and the Itokin–Ikorodu Bridge in Lagos.
“These emergency works will be detailed and forwarded to Mr. President for approval through the Minister of Finance,” Umahi said.
