December 4, 2014 – Not less than N430.5 billion was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for the construction of 17 roads and bridges in 15 states across the federation.
Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen made the revelation while addressing journalists in Abuja after the weekly FEC meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan.
According to him, the roads that will be constructed will create about 13,600 jobs and improve economic growth and lives of Nigerians.
“These infrastructure projects will help to catalyse economic growth, because people must be busy. There are Nigerians who will be engaged to do these jobs and all that, “ he said adding that the projects were accommodated in the 2014 appropriation.
He said the roads will be constructed in Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Nassarawa, Abia, Niger, Kogi, Cross River, Lagos and Kaduna.
He explained that the fall in oil price would not affect smooth execution of the projects adding that there were budgetary provisions of N11 billion in the 2014 Appropriation and N10 billion from SURE-P for the projects, while the balance would be provided for in subsequent budgets.
“Council noted with delight that this is a major push in consolidating and implementing national integrated infrastructure Master plan in the road sector and it will have salutary effect on the economic and social life of Nigerians along these corridors across 14 states.
“Council approved the award of contract for the construction and rehabilitation of 17 Roads and Bridges (Categories A and B) in the 1st batch of roads and bridges projects contained in the ministry’s 2014 budget implementation in the total sum of N430,564,974,946.“ he said.
According to him, Bodo-Bonny road in Rivers State will have three major bridges across Afa Creek, Opobo Channel and Nanabie Creek, and that it will ensure that Bonny island that contributes the “Bonny Lite” to the Lexicon of the world’s oil market and a major economic island in Nigeria is finally linked with a road access for the first time.
“This will open this treasured island to many more Nigerians and reduce the high cost of living in one of the hitherto most expensive industrial towns in Africa”, he said.
On the new Ikom bridge, he said it will help to open up the Calabar Port for business to the people of the North-central and North-Eastern Zones of our country and that it has height restriction that does not permit haulage vehicles to go through.
He said the Ikorodu-Shagamu road which links NNPC depot at Mosimi will be constructed with pavement design or concrete adding that the project will mark a new dawn in road construction since materials will be 100% locally sourced, with improved longevity and reduced life cycle costs.
