FEC Approves Over N660 Billion for Major Road and Health Projects Across Nigeria
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has given the green light to over N660 billion in contracts for critical road infrastructure and key health sector improvements, aiming to enhance connectivity and access to essential medical services across the country.
Massive Investment in Road Infrastructure
Following a council meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, announced the approval of 13 major road projects to rehabilitate, upgrade, and complete key highways inherited from previous administrations.
Among the biggest projects is a N198 billion contract for a new road spanning Zaria, Hunkuyi, Kolmani, Danbali, Maraba, Kanya, Subawa, and Kasa, covering parts of Kaduna and Katsina states. Awarded to Mothercat Nigeria Limited, this project is expected to be completed within three years.
Other significant road developments include:
N128.4 billion for the Kano-Wudil-Shuari section of the Kano-Maiduguri highway.
N39.49 billion for the Bida-Lambatta road project in Niger State.
N11.28 billion for the Alkaleri-Ukuk road in Bauchi State.
Further funding was allocated for the rehabilitation of the Aba-Ikot Ekpene road, the Ilogu road in Kwara and Osun states, as well as shoreline protection works in Lagos. In Lagos, the Outer Marina project, which safeguards key military and railway infrastructure, saw its budget increased from N144 billion to N176 billion to prevent erosion-related damages.
Minister Umahi assured that these projects had undergone cost revisions and would be executed in phases to ensure optimal resource utilization. He emphasized the government’s focus on completing ongoing projects before launching new ones.
Streamlining Procurement for Government Contracts
The council is also reviewing procurement regulations to increase spending thresholds for ministries, departments, and agencies. The move aims to reduce the frequency of contract approvals at FEC meetings, allowing the government to prioritize policy discussions over contract-related memos.
Boosting Healthcare with N10.3 Billion in Approvals
Alongside the infrastructure investments, the government has approved N10.3 billion in health-related contracts to improve access to essential medicines, diagnostics, and medical equipment.
Key allocations include:
N997 million for third-line antiretroviral drugs to support HIV patients who have developed resistance to previous treatments.
N2 billion for the purchase of locally manufactured diabetes diagnostic kits.
N4.5 billion for the procurement of essential medicines, including antibiotics, antihypertensives, and antidiabetic drugs, under the Medical Relief Programme aimed at assisting vulnerable populations.
In addition, N2.1 billion has been allocated for a mobile X-ray machine and the rehabilitation of a CT scanner at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi State, a step aimed at improving medical diagnostic services.
Government’s Commitment to Local Pharmaceutical Production
According to Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, these health sector investments align with the administration’s broader goal of reducing dependency on imported drugs, strengthening local pharmaceutical production, and enhancing public healthcare delivery.
By prioritizing critical road networks and healthcare infrastructure, the government aims to bolster economic growth, improve public services, and support Nigeria’s long-term development agenda.