Tinubu Approves Six Major Road Projects, Orders Demolition and Redesign of Lagos Carter Bridge

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the construction and reconstruction of six major road projects across Nigeria as part of efforts to improve national infrastructure and strengthen economic connectivity. The approval also includes the proposed demolition and redesign of the Carter Bridge in Lagos, a move government officials say has become necessary due to structural concerns.

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, disclosed the development while addressing newsmen on Wednesday, outlining the scope, cost, and strategic importance of the projects approved by the federal government.

Major Infrastructure Push Across Nigeria

According to the minister, the approved projects span several geopolitical zones and are designed to improve mobility, enhance safety on highways, and support economic activities across the country.

One of the key projects is the Suleja–Minna Road, a critical route connecting Niger State to the Federal Capital Territory. Akahi News learnt that the road was originally awarded to Salini Construction Company but the contract was terminated after what officials described as poor performance.

Umahi explained that only 10 kilometres of the road were completed before the termination of the contract. The government has now approved the completion of the remaining 71 kilometres of the dual carriageway.

One carriageway has been awarded to China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC) at a cost of ₦91 billion, while the second carriageway has already received clearance from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), paving the way for further execution.

Carter Bridge in Lagos to Be Demolished and Rebuilt

In Lagos, the federal government has approved the design and costing of a new Carter Bridge project valued at ₦5.6 billion.

Akahi News gathered that technical evaluations and consultations with relevant stakeholders concluded that the existing Carter Bridge structure can no longer be rehabilitated effectively. As a result, authorities have decided that the bridge must be demolished and replaced with a modern structure.

Umahi disclosed that Advanced Engineering Consultants has been engaged to carry out the detailed design and cost assessment ahead of the procurement process for the new bridge’s construction.

Observers note that Carter Bridge remains one of the busiest transportation links in Lagos, connecting Lagos Island with other parts of the metropolis. Analysts believe the redesign could significantly improve traffic flow and enhance safety if executed efficiently.

Redesign of Kano–Kongolam Strategic Highway

Another major project approved by the federal government is the review and rescoping of the 132-kilometre Kano–Kongolam Road, a tax credit project initially awarded in 2022.

According to the Works Minister, the highway, which connects Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina states, was initially designed as an asphalt road. However, the project has now been redesigned as a three-lane concrete carriageway to ensure greater durability and longevity.

The upgraded project will also incorporate modern infrastructure such as solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television (CCTV) installations aimed at improving security along the corridor.

The revised cost of the project is estimated at ₦334 billion.

Abuja–Lokoja Road Reconstruction

The federal government has also approved the reconstruction of a major section of the Abuja–Lokoja Road, a critical highway linking the Federal Capital Territory with the southern parts of Nigeria.

Umahi revealed that the contracts previously awarded to two contractors were terminated due to unsatisfactory performance. The affected 86-kilometre section will now be reconstructed using reinforced concrete.

Five contractors will handle the reconstruction work, including Julius Berger, which is already executing other segments along the corridor. The total cost of the reconstruction project is estimated at ₦146 billion.

Transportation experts have repeatedly highlighted the Abuja–Lokoja route as one of Nigeria’s busiest highways, often plagued by heavy traffic and accidents due to deteriorating road conditions.

Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa Road Gets Fresh Approval

Another significant project is the reconstruction of the Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa Road, a 103-kilometre dual carriageway valued at ₦427 billion.

The Works Minister explained that although the project had been awarded by the previous administration, it recorded minimal progress before the current government reviewed the contract and re-awarded it to ensure completion.

The road is considered strategically important as it connects key commercial and educational centres in the South-West region.

Keffi–Nasarawa–Abaji Road Rehabilitation

The federal government has also approved Phase Two of the Keffi–Nasarawa–Abaji Road rehabilitation project, covering 129.3 kilometres at an estimated cost of ₦203 billion.

Umahi noted that the project will significantly enhance connectivity between Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory, thereby easing transportation challenges for commuters and businesses operating in the corridor.

Planned Commissioning of Projects Nationwide

In addition to the newly approved projects, the Works Minister disclosed that the federal government plans to commission at least four major road projects in each of the country’s six geopolitical zones before May 15.

Analysts believe that if implemented effectively, the projects could play a vital role in addressing Nigeria’s longstanding infrastructure deficit, improving trade routes, and stimulating economic growth across regions.

However, infrastructure experts have also cautioned that strict monitoring, transparency, and timely funding will be critical to ensuring that the projects do not suffer the delays that have historically plagued major public works in the country.

For many Nigerians who depend on these roads for daily commuting and commercial transport, the success of these projects may ultimately determine whether the government’s renewed infrastructure drive delivers meaningful results.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Akahi News www.akahinews.org