Nigeria’s Federal Government has announced plans to construct 20 new road projects nationwide with a budget of N58 billion. The projects are part of the N2.17 trillion supplementary budget approved by the National Assembly last week.
The new road projects will cover all six geopolitical zones and be funded by the Federal Ministry of Works. Some projects will be done under a Public-Public Partnership (PPP) arrangement, such as the Abuja-Lagos superhighway and the Lagos-Port Harcourt – Cross River superhighway.
The projects are expected to improve the connectivity and accessibility of various regions and boost the economic activities and development of the country. Some of the major road projects include:
- The dualization of the Amiobia-Ekwulobia-Mokwa road (N10 billion), which will link Anambra, Niger and Kwara states and reduce travel time and cost for commuters and traders.
- The construction of the Malando – Ngaski Wara road (N8 billion) will connect Kebbi and Sokoto states and enhance the movement of agricultural products and livestock.
- The rehabilitation and dualization of the Enugu – Abakaliki – Ogoja road (N2.5 billion) will facilitate the transportation of coal, limestone and cement from the South-East to other parts of the country.
- The construction of the Kano Northern Bypass (N2.5 billion) will ease traffic congestion and improve security in the commercial city of Kano.
- The reconstruction of the Lokoja – Abuja road (N2.5 billion) will improve the safety and comfort of travellers on the busy route linking the capital city with other states.
The Federal Government has also allocated funds for the maintenance and repair of existing roads and bridges, such as the Eko and Third Mainland bridges in Lagos, the East-West road in the Niger Delta and the Buruku Bridge in Benue.
The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, said that the road projects are part of the government’s commitment to deliver quality infrastructure to Nigerians and fulfil the promises of the Next Level agenda.
He said that the projects will create jobs, stimulate economic growth and enhance the social well-being of the people. He also appealed to the public to cooperate with the contractors and the ministry’s officials while executing the projects.
The road projects align with the government’s vision to transform Nigeria into a modern and prosperous nation by 2030. The government has also invested in other sectors such as power, agriculture, health and education to improve the living standards of Nigerians.
Source: Nairametrics
