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  • FEC steps down major project memos requiring cost augmentation

    FEC steps down major project memos requiring cost augmentation

    …moves to rejig procurement council

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday, July 10, stepped down memoranda for some major projects that require additional funding, especially projects under the Federal Ministry of Works.

    Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who disclosed this to journalists at the State House on Wednesday after the FEC meeting explained that projects affected are such that were inherited from past administrations and have requested for augmentation.

    Idris stated that President Tinubu has directed a thorough examination of these projects to ensure probity, proficiency, and diligence in their execution, adding that the review will be discussed further at the next FEC meeting.

    He further disclosed that the Council directed the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to work with the Ministers of Budget and Economic Planning and the Minister of Finance to streamline all projects contained in the memoranda for appropriate funding intervention.

    “So today, we didn’t have so many projects that were approved as a result of that, but of note is to say that Mr. President, in line with his thinking of ensuring that there is probity, proficiency and diligence in project execution, has directed that all projects that require additional funding, especially major projects of the Ministry of Works, be looked at once again so that there will be further deliberation on that at the next council meeting”, he said.

    Responding to a question, Idris clarified that the Lagos-Calabar Highway and other newly approved roads by the administration of President Tinubu are not part of the projects, but that the Council is ready to reconsider and re-prioritise most of the inherited projects under the Federal Ministry of Works while it sources for alternative funding and re-evaluate those that can be completed.

    “Those projects that were required to be stepped down are part of inherited projects from 13 years ago some of them were inherited from past administrations and they are now been streamlined and worked out to ensure they are completed installmentally the Lagos-Calabar Highway is not suffering budget augmentation.

    “Most of the projects are those carried over due to variation and the Council has decided to ensure that all the projects should be stepped down they will not be thrown away but will be reconsidered and re-prioritised and the government will source for funding for the projects and the government will look at those that can be completed.

    He emphasised that the projects were not only a step down for funding reasons but due to other variables.

    Read Also: FEC okays N1.99b CNG vehicles, N985m for body scanners

    “Not only because of funding but other variables are being considered, it’s not an abandonment, and augmentation and review are not for new projects all new projects awarded do not have augmentation now Lagos Calabar is new and does not have issues or need for augment or review.

    Meanwhile, FEC has decided to revamp the National Council on Procurement, which has been ineffective for the past 17 years.

    A bill to strengthen the Council has been sent to the National Assembly and has passed its first reading in the House of Representatives, according to Idris.

    He explained that the aim of this is to establish a robust procurement council that will enforce financial discipline and scrutinize all aspects of procurement, aligning with President Tinubu’s vision.

    “There is also a discussion around the National Council on Procurement. The Federal Executive Council is looking at that again. Recall that in the last 17 years, the National Council on Procurement has not been very effective. So Mr. President has submitted to the National Assembly a bill, which has scaled through the first reading at the House of Representatives.

    “The whole idea is to ensure that we have a robust National Council on Procurement that will continue to look at all aspects of procurement, in line with the vision and to bring every project into the financial discipline that Mr President is always talking about”, he explained.

  • FULL LIST: 21 key decisions of marathon FEC

    FULL LIST: 21 key decisions of marathon FEC

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) after a marathon meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday unveiled 21 major policy initiatives.

    The FEC meeting, which started on Monday and was concluded on Tuesday, has been described by experts as unprecedented in the history of the council.

    Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga, shared the list in a post on his X handle.

    According to Onanuga: “After exhaustive deliberations, the council approved a number of policies and projects that will further boost the economy, facilitate investments and promote the ease of doing business in the country.”

    The policies approved by the council are:

    1. Council supported a series of initiatives set to be launched that will revolutionize Nigeria’s Infrastructure and Housing sector through Public-Private Partnerships

    The initiatives which can unlock about N2 trillion are aimed at transforming the nation’s infrastructure and housing mortgage sector, meet the urgent demand for critical infrastructure and affordable homeownership, fostering job creation, inclusive growth, and long-term productivity enhancement.

    2. FEC approved that all users of Federal airports all over the country must now pay tolls at the gates. No one is excluded. The President and Vice President of Nigeria will also pay the toll.

    3. The council announced a ban on sand dredging 10 kms from all Federal bridges throughout the country.

    4. Council announced a four-week deadline for review of visa policy to enable tourists, business people, and creative professionals to visit Nigeria. The ease of doing business, the council agreed cannot materialise if prospective visitors face a herculean problem getting our country’s visa.

    5. The council granted approval for the supply, installation and training of operators of disabled aircraft recovery system at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos. The contract will cost N4.2 billion. Similar contract was awarded in 2021 for Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in 2021.

    6. Council approved Special Purpose Vehicle to be created on a PPP basis to develop 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable to increase Nigeria’s internet connectivity by 60-70 percent. The SPV intends to copy the NLNG model.

    7. Council approved a consultancy service for the reconciliation and expansion of the remittances to NITDA.

    8. Council approved the request of the Ministry of Communications to convert the property at 324 Jackson Street, San Francisco, USA into a Nigerian Digital Technology Exchange Programme Hub. Property owned by the Nigerian government is valued at close to $7million.

    9. The FEC also approved the award of contract for the building of bus terminals and other transport facilities in the Federal Capital, Abuja. Terminals will be built within 15 months at Kugbo, Abuja Central Business District and Mabushi. The whole project will cost N51 billion and will be executed by Planet Projects Nigeria Limited, which did similar contracts in Lagos and Oyo states.

    10. Council approved the award of contract to Messrs El & Matt Nigeria Limited to upgrade Kwaita-Yebu Road in Kuala Area Council of Abuja at a cost of N7.6 billion. Completion time is 18 months.

    11. Council approved contract for the building of the Court of Appeal Abuja Division at a cost of N37.2 billion. Project will be executed by Messrs Visible Construction Limited.

    12. The Council awarded contract at a cost of N412million for street lights on Bill Clinton Drive, Airport Expressway. The job includes the procurement of 8 back-up generators, which will be powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Solar, in line with government’s decision about migrating from fossil fuel to renewable energy.

    Read Also: FEC okays committee to fast track visa issuance to investors

    13. Council approved the request by Nigeria Customs Service to buy 200 Toyota Land Cruiser Buffalo V6 at a cost of N12.5 billion. All the vehicles will be CNG powered. Government also approved insurance cover for the vehicles at a cost of N522 million. The cover will be provided by NEM.

    14. Messrs Yuan Resources Limited was awarded the concession to deploy a revenue assurance platform under PPP arrangement in the lottery and gaming sector. The concession which will be for 15 years, will be done via DFBOT option, which means Design, Finance, Build, Operate and Transfer.

    15. Before the Monday meeting was adjourned till Tuesday, council approved several road projects. Among them was the reconstruction of Iseyin-Okeho-Iganna Road in Oyo State.

    16. Council approved Section 2 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway for construction, at a cost of N1.6 trillion.

    17. Approval was granted for the award of contract for reconstruction of Koton-Karfe -Abaji Road (Abuja bound), along Abuja-Lokoja Route in Kogi state at a cost of N89 billion.

    18. On Day 2 of the FEC meeting, approval was given for the award of contract for the equalisation of Lokoja-Benin Road, Okpela Section, Lokoja-Benin, Dualised Auchi Section -Uromi Link Road and Lokoja-Benin Road, Ekpoma Section. It was on this road that a fuel tanker fell into high water recently, with villagers having to swim to rescue the occupants of the tanker. The reconstruction will be financed by BUA Cement at a cost of N120 Billion under the tax credit scheme.

    19. Council approved contracts to various contractors to build roads and bridges in Kaima-Tesse, Kwara State, Benin-Agbor, BeninByepass and Ngaski-Wara in Kebbi State. All the four contracts will cost N546 billion.

    20. Messrs CCECC was awarded contract at N230 billion to build Kano Bypass. The road which is 37kms long will include bridges and several flyovers. The company has 36 months to complete the work.

    21. The Council approved for procurement the Sokoto-Illela-Badagry superhighway, which is meant to join the Lagos-Calabar Coastal superhighway. The road was first awarded in 1976 and then abandoned.

  • JUST IN: FEC approves tripartite committee to streamline investor visa process

    JUST IN: FEC approves tripartite committee to streamline investor visa process

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the establishment of a tripartite committee tasked with streamlining visa processes and acquisition.

    Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris, who disclosed this on Tuesday, May 14, while briefing journalists at the State House, Abuja, explained that the approval is aimed at easing processes for foreign investors.

    “Our visa processes are becoming cumbersome. The ease of doing business is also tied to our visa processes.

    Read Also: FEC adopts CNG-powered vehicles for ministries, agencies

    “Going forward, those investors, tourists would find it easy to acquire a visa within the next 48 hours,” Idris said.

    The meeting which began on Monday was adjourned till Tuesday to allow for other “far-reaching” decisions, the information minister had told journalists.

    Details shortly…

  • FEC deliberations to run into day-two over “far-reaching” decisions

    FEC deliberations to run into day-two over “far-reaching” decisions

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) adjourned its meeting on Monday to continue on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, to conclude deliberations.

    FEC, presided over by President Bola Tinubu, convened on Monday seven weeks after its last meeting with virtually all its members in attendance.

    Explaining the reason for the adjournment of proceedings to a second day after the meeting, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said far-reaching decisions were taken at the Monday meeting, which conclusions would be made public on Tuesday.

    “The meeting is not yet concluded. The council meeting will continue tomorrow. Therefore, there will be no press briefing today. A lot of far-reaching decisions have been taken and the conclusions will be made available to you tomorrow. Thank you very much”, the Minister said.

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    Recall the last Council meeting was held on 25th of March, 2024 where the administration approved the construction of 28 roads and bridges across the country worth over N1.2 trillion.

    Meanwhile, on Monday 13th May, President Tinubu presided over the council meeting at the Council Chamber, State House, Abuja where he swore in two more Federal commissioners of the National Population Commission.

    Fasuwa Johnson and Dr. Amid Tadese Raheem from Ogun and Osun states respectively took the oath of office at 12:15 pm at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, after their abridged citations were read.

    President Tinubu had on November 8th appointed 20 federal commissioners in the National Population Commission with nine of them reappointed for a second term in office.

  • FEC approves 2% quota appointments for youths

    FEC approves 2% quota appointments for youths

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved two initiatives aimed at fostering greater inclusion and development opportunities for the youth population.

    Disclosing this to journalists after the week’s Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Minister of Youth and Sports Development Dr Jemila Ibrahim-Bio also announced that FEC approved the restructuring of the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) with additional provision for it.

    According to Ibrahim-Bio, the Council has approved institutionalisation of a 2% youth quota in all government appointments  and women representation of 30%.

    She said this will be addressing the age-long marginalization of young people in decision-making processes.

    “I’m delighted to brief the gentleman and women of the press that we have received Council’s approval to institutionalise a 2% youth quota, a third percent representation of young people in all government appointments and an equitable young women representation inclusive of this 30%,” she said.

    According to her, it will go a long way in addressing “the long marginalization and exclusion of young people in decision making, and will also go a long way to encourage young people to participate in decision making processes and in civic engagements.”

    The Council also approved the restructuring and institutionalization of the NYIF, a fund initially established in 2020 to support youth-led and youth-owned enterprises in priority sectors.

    Recognising the potential of this initiative, the administration has commissioned a technical committee to review and restructure the fund, leading to the establishment of the Nigerian Youth Fund through a legal framework.

    She said the revamped Youth Investment Fund will receive an immediate infusion of ₦25 billion from the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Act, complemented by an additional ₦25 billion from the 2024 Appropriation Act’s Digital Development Fund.

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    Moreover, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) approved a ₦60 billion  release through the Agric Investment and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Scheme, providing a significant boost to the fund’s resources.

    She further said that the implementation strategy for the Renewed Youth Investment Fund will involve the establishment of clusters, where young people will cross-guarantee each other, focused on commodities with comparative advantages across the six geopolitical zones.

    Additionally, she said the fund will offer increased obligor limits, moratoriums, and extended loan tenures, allowing young businesses to incubate and reach profitability.

    “Secondly, the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund, initially established in 2020, has been restructured and institutionalized through a legal framework.

    “The fund, initially set at ₦75 billion, will now receive ₦25 billion from the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Act and an additional ₦25 billion from the 2024 Appropriation Act. Additionally, ₦60 billion will be released from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s SME Investment Fund, focusing on agricultural investments.

    “These measures aim to support young businesses and stimulate economic growth”, she said.

  • FEC approves N759b for Obajana – Benin, Isheri-Ogun roads

    FEC approves N759b for Obajana – Benin, Isheri-Ogun roads

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday approved N873.23 billion for the execution of three projects across the country by the Ministry of Works.

    Works Minister Dave Umahi, who dropped the hint in a chat with reporters at the State House, Abuja, after the FEC meeting, listed the projects as the Obajana-Benin Road; Isheri-Ogun Road and the Outer Marina Shoreline protection.

    The minister also said the rising cost of cement has nothing to do with his ministry’s concrete road policy.

    Speaking on the approvals given by the Council based on his ministry’s memoranda, Umahi said the approval covers additional N757 billion as augmentation for the dualisation of the 489-kilometer Obajana-Benin Road; N2.23 billion for the Isheri-Ogun Road and N114 billion for the Outer Marina Shoreline protection.

    He said: “Today we’ve got augmentation approved for Obajana in Lokoja to Benin Road, a total of 244-km and 489-km dualized. Recall that in 2012, this project was awarded to four contractors – CGC; Mothercat; Dantata & Sawoe and RCC at a total cost of N122 billion and that was for light rehabilitation.

    “Around 2018, the past administration reviewed the project and dualised it and that’s why you have a total of 489-km and now got ‘No-Objection’ from the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPP).

    “When I came on board in August, we were supposed to present the ‘no-objection to FEC in line with due process and we decided to review the project, one, to determine whether the dualisation was desirable in view of the economic challenges and two, to see the texture of the soil and what to do.

    “We had to restore the project now, but we didn’t increase the cost. We got approval for argumentation from N122 billion to N897 billion. The contractors were off-site because they would not be working and they would not be paid based on the new basic rate. We got them back to the site and today (yesterday) we got approval.”

    The Council also approved N2.23 billion for the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency for the rehabilitation of the road from Isheri North to Ogun State.

    “Now, under FERMA, we got approval for the construction of Isheri North, Lagos route, which is to connect Ogun State. This is an alternative route to Lagos – Shagamu Road and we’re going to toll this Lagos-Shagamu when completed. But by law, you only toll a federal road when you have an alternative.

    “This approval of about N2.23 billion to connect Isheri North to Ogun State is a breakthrough that has freed the Lagos-Shagamu for tolling.” he revealed.

    Explaining the Council’s approval for the N114 billion  Outer Marina shoreline protection, Umahi said: “The shore protection was done over 50 years back with sheet piles and we had to take the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, on a tour with Julius Berger through the entire shoreline of 3.92 billion.

    “We took the tour with Julius Berger, CCECC, CBC and BuildWell, and demanded for them to inspect and then give us their proposal. Only BuildWell and CCECC brought their proposals.

    “Whereas CCECC was quoting on 3.2-km at N134 billion, BuildWell was quoting on 3.9-km at N114 billion. We sent the two to BPP and BPP found merit in BuildWell because of cost and, of course latest technology in doing shore protection using interlocking concrete, which will not be subject to rusting. We got approval for Build Well in the sum up N114 billion,” he explained.

    Read Also: FEC approves ₦759bn for Obajana –Benin, Isheri-Ogun roads

    Umahi said the shoreline protection project was necessary given its proximity to the recently inaugurated Red Line and other existing structures in the area.

    He added that his ministry sought to leverage the low-water levels of the dry season to drive piles down the shore.

    On insinuations that his ministry’s concrete road construction policy triggered the hike in cement prices, the minister said the cost of cement production should be blamed.

    According to him, concrete roads will not phase out traditional asphalt roads, but only serve as an alternative for sites with high water tables and poor conditions.

    He said: “This assertion is highly misplaced because the policy has not even taken off.”

    Umahi made reference to the documents showing that Dangote Cement Plc, BUA Cement Plc and Lafarge Africa Plc spent N598.14 billion on power during the full year ended December 31, 2023.

    He said: “I just got a document this morning where three companies producing cement, Dangote, BUA and Lafarge, said in 2023, the total cost of their gas rose by over 42 per cent.

    “If the cost of their gas rose by 42 per cent and then the import duty exchange rate has also gone up, it is expected that the cost of cement would go up.”

    “But Mr. President has discussed with them and I think, there are a couple of incentives being made available to them which should reduce the cost of cement.

    “In Sokoto, where I visited recently, the BUA Executive Director said that the ex-factory was N6000 and that was down from 8000.

    “We are getting there because Mr. President has directed them to reduce the price and they have to comply and I think Mr. President has also offered them some incentives to them.

    “It is not because we are going from asphalt to concrete. And we are not totally leaving asphalt. It is just an alternative, especially where we have a very high water table and then a very poor sight condition.”

  • FEC approves ₦759bn for Obajana –Benin, Isheri-Ogun roads

    FEC approves ₦759bn for Obajana –Benin, Isheri-Ogun roads

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved ₦873.23 billion for the Federal Ministry of Works for the execution of three  budgets across the country. 

    Minister of Work, Dave Umahi, who disclosed this to journalists at the State House, Abuja, after the week’s FEC meeting, also explained that the ministry’s concrete roads policy is not responsible for rising cost of cement. 

    Speaking on the approvals his ministry obtained from the memoranda it presented to Council, Umahi said there was an approval of an additional N757bn as augmentation for the dualisation of the 489km Obajana-Benin Road, N2.23bn for the Isheri-Ogun Road and N114bn for Outer Marina shoreline protection. 

    “Today we’ve got augmentation approved for Obajana in Lokoja to Benin Road, a total of 244km and 489km dualized. Recall that in 2012, this project was awarded to four contractors: CGC, Mothercat, Dantata & Sawoe and RCC at a total cost of N122bn, and that was for light rehabilitation.

    “Around 2018, the past administration reviewed the project and dualised it and that’s why you have a total of 489km and then now got ‘No Objection’ from BPP. When I came on board in August, we were supposed to present the no-objection to FEC in line with due process and we decided to review the project, one, to determine whether the dualisation was desirable in view of the economic challenges and two, to see the texture of the soil and what to do.

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    “So we had to restore the project now, but we didn’t increase the cost. We got approval for argumentation from N122bn to N897bn. The contractors were off-site because they would not be working and they would not be paid based on the new basic rate. So we got them back to the site and Today we got approval.”

    The Council also approved N2.23bn for the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency for the rehabilitation of the road from Isheri North to Ogun state.

    “Now, under FERMA, we got approval for the construction of Isheri north, Lagos route, which is to connect Ogun state. This is an alternative route to Lagos – Shagamu Road and we’re going to toll this Lagos-Shagamu when completed. But by law, you only toll a federal road when you have an alternative.

    “This approval of about N2.23bn to connect Isheri North to Ogun state. It is a breakthrough that has freed the Lagos-Shagamu for tolling,” he revealed.

    Explaining the Council’s approval for the N114bn Outer Marina shoreline protection, Umahi said, “The shore protection was done over 50 years back with sheet piles and we had to take the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, on a tour with Julius Berger through the entire shoreline of 3.92km.  

    “We took the tour with Julius Berger, CCECC, CBC and BuildWell, and demanded for them to inspect and then give us their proposal. Only BuildWell and CCECC brought their proposals.

    “Whereas CCECC was quoting on 3.2km at N134bn, BuildWell was quoting on 3.9km at N114bn. We sent the two to BPP and BPP found merit in BuildWell because of cost and, of course latest technology in doing shore protection using interlocking concrete, which will not be subject to rusting. So we got approval for Build Well in the sum up N114bn”, he explained. 

    Umahi said the shoreline protection project was necessary given its proximity to the recently inaugurated Red Line and other existing structures in the area. He added that his ministry sought to leverage the low-water levels of the dry season to drive piles down the shore.

    The Minister also spoke on insinuations that cement prices had been skyrocketing because of his ministry’s concrete road construction policy, saying cost of production for cement companies, rather than his ministry’s policy, has sent cement prices upwards. 

    He also explained that concrete roads will not phase out traditional asphalt roads, but is only an alternative for sites with high water tables and poor conditions.

    On the claim that concrete road projects are driving cement prices up, Umahi said “this assertion is highly misplaced because the policy has not even taken off”.

    Fielding questions on the issue, Umahi cited recently released documents showing that Dangote Cement Plc, BUA Cement Plc and Lafarge Africa Plc spent N598.14bn on power during the full year ended December 31, 2023.

    “I just got a document this morning where three companies producing cement, Dangote, BUA and Lafarge, said in 2023, the total cost of their gas rose by over 42 per cent. So, if the cost of their gas rose by 42 per cent and then the import duty exchange rate has also gone up, it is expected that the cost of cement would go up.”

    “But Mr. President has discussed with them and I think there are a couple of incentives being made available to them which should reduce the cost of cement. In Sokoto, where I visited recently, the BUA Executive Director said that the ex-factory was N6000 and that was down from 8000. 

    “We are getting there because Mr. President has directed them to reduce the price and they have to comply and I think Mr President has also offered them some incentives to them.

    “So it’s not because we are going from asphalt to concrete. And we are not totally leaving the asphalt. It is just an alternative, especially where we have a very high water table and then a very poor sight condition”, he said. 

  • FEC approves N1.07tr for Lagos-Calabar coastal road

    FEC approves N1.07tr for Lagos-Calabar coastal road

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday approved a N1.07 trillion contract for the construction of the first phase of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

    Works Minister Dave Umahi said the pilot phase consist a 47.47-kilometer dual carriage way of five lanes on each side and a train track on the middle.

    The phase, according to him, is part of the 700-kilometer road, spanning nine states and with two leading up North.

    Umahi, who dropped the hints while chatting with State House reporters after FEC’s meeting in Abuja, said the project will be constructed with concrete.

    He said: “Today, we had the approval of FEC for the construction of 700 kilometer of coastal routes running from Lagos through the nine coastal routes or states up to Cross River, meaning that it goes to Lagos, the Lekki Deep Seaport, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom.

    “But we also have two spurs that leads to the North, from the ongoing Badagry-Sokoto route and the one that leads to the Trans-Sahara route that goes from Ogoja down to Cameroon.

    “Now, it is a dual carriage way and each carriage way has five lanes and a provision for a train infrastructure that will be at the middle.”

    According to him, the FEC at its October 30 meeting approved the procurement of the project under the EPC+F (Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Financing) and in favor of High Tech Construction African Limited.

    He added: “They already have started searching for the funding, but hitches here are there. And so, the Ministry to go back to Mr. President to ask for two things and that was in January 18. We asked can we fast track this.

    “Since this project was going to be procured in two phases and multiple sections, can we get the federal government to fund the phase one, which is what is 47.47 kilometers running from Ahmadu Bello in Lagos down to Lekki Deep Seaport? Mr. President graciously approved.

    “We also have the challenge of a lot of infrastructure on this on the road corridor. So, we requested Mr. President to approve that we realigned the road, so that we move closer to the ocean shore, and then avoid those properties which could lead to litigation. Mr. President also approved.

    “But then that led to a new challenge. And the challenge is the need to start the project as quickly as possible as to protect, you know, the communities along the corridor.

    “Today, we have procured the first section, which is 47.47 kilometers, under 10 lanes and FEC graciously approved the contract for N1.067tn with no objection.

    “FEC also approved that the second section be procured, to be funded or federal government, which is about 57 kilometers and that run from Lekki Deep Seaport to the boundary between Ogun and that is section two of phase one.

    “Then the third section is to start from the end of the road, which is Calabar and that’s about 50 kilometers, and it’s procured under section three of phase one. It’s running from Calabar and going towards Akwa Ibom and towards Port Harcourt.

    “Then the other sections and other places will still be under EPC+F in favor of High Tech Construction Africa Limited.

    “The company is very well known in this kind of infrastructure development. An example is the Eko Atlantic Ocean such that would have swallowed the entire Victoria Island, and they’ve been able to conquer it under the same procurements.

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    “But, let me also announce that the road is going to be constructed with concrete and they are masters in that. You can see example in the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway. They are also the same company that is constructing the deep seaport under the same concrete technology.

    “Besides that, we also have good news about some of the projects that were awarded between 2006 and 2018. And of course, you know, the prices of construction materials, like in 2006 should be expecting asphalt to cost about N2000 per meter square, and today’s constant between N27,000 and N30,000 per meter square.

    “And then we have another project that is the maintainance of Pankshin-Gindiri Road in Pankshin in Plateau state. It was awarded in 2017 and that the project has stopped. But today it has gotten great momentum from 10bn to N20 billion.

    “And then we have the third route the same thing, the route that is going from Mayo-Belewa-Jega-Kanya-Tungur Road in Adamawa state. It was awarded in 2018 and today it has been argumented from N21 billion to N43 billion in line with the realities of the construction market prices.

    “And then, the last one is a road that is going from Yakasai-Badume-Damagum-Makin Zali in Kano state. This was awarded in January 2021 and it’s been documented from N12 billion to 17 billion.

    “We were going to have a number of these roads stuck, but Mr. President has directed that such projects should be reviewed in line with the realities of the present construction basic materials.

    “So, we have over 1,000 roads that are going to undergo this kind of process to keep them alive. Most of them are inherited projects from the past administrations,” the minister said.

  • FEC approves workers Life Assurance, says students loan for January

    FEC approves workers Life Assurance, says students loan for January

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the payment of renewal fees for the Group Life Assurance for federal government workers.

    Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Wednesday at the end of the first 2024 meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) held in Abuja.

    He said that this was sequel to a memo brought by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan to the council.

    He said the President approved about N9.6billion for 12 local insurance firms to cover the Federal workers in case of unforeseen eventualities in the course of their duties.

    “There are about12 insurance companies involved. It’s a normal annual cover that insurance companies give workers. So, in the event of death or severe injury, they can resort to and so that their families would not have to suffer,’’ he said.

    Idris said that the approval was part of the administration’s determination to accord all its workers the needed reward that would improve efficiency, productivity and service delivery to Nigerians.

    Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu said that the January date for the take-off of the students loan was still in place, adding that a website had already been working for interested student with requisite criteria.

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    He pointed out that government had made funding provision for it in the 2024 budget.

    Sununu also disclosed that the council approved the setting up of foreign institution campuses in the country to increase enrollment of Nigerians and encourage research among higher institutes worldwide.

    He said that a guideline has been provided to ensure quality of training of the local campuses are standardised with the parent institution abroad.

    He added that the policy would also save the nation of scarce foreign exchange taken abroad instead of being used for national development.

    (NAN)

  • Ibadan explosion: FEC raises committee to review laws on explosives

    Ibadan explosion: FEC raises committee to review laws on explosives

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC), on Wednesday, January 17, set up a committee to review the laws guiding the control of explosives in the country to determine whether they were violated by illegal miners whose activities led to Tuesday’s deadly explosion in Ibadan.

    Minister of Defense, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who disclosed this while addressing journalists after the first FEC of 2024, presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, also warned the public against crowdfunding to pay ransoms for kidnapped victims, saying it will only worsen the spate of abductions.

    According to Badaru, the council expressed worries about the incident and noted the need to avert future occurrences, noting that despite preliminary investigations suggesting that explosives stored by illegal miners may have been the cause, there was also suspicion in some quarters that gas may have been to blame.

    He noted that federal agents were now on the ground at the scene of the incident to ascertain the cause and ways to prevent future occurrences.

    “The first question has to do with the Ibadan explosion where the governor said that preliminary investigation suggested that there are some explosives around the area where it happened that are owned by some illegal miners.

    Read Also: Ibadan explosion unfortunate, Speaker Abbas laments tragedy

    “Well, we have seen that report. There is another report suggesting that it was a gas explosion. So, our team are there trying to find out what is the cause. 

    “But for the council to be proactive, it has already set up the committee that I told you to look into how the control of explosives law was broken if indeed there are explosives around the area where this incident happened.

    “That was why the committee was set up to look at the rules to see where the chain is broken and see how it can be fixed and gather more information if this is happening rampantly around the country.

    “You all know that there is strict rule in the storage, movement and ownership of these explosives and the rules is being monitored. If there is any case of breakdown, we will find out and deal with it.”, he said.