The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has revealed that President Tinubu has approved over 260 road interventions across the 36 states and the FCT, including project upgrades and emergency repairs.
Umahi, who spoke to reporters after a meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa yesterday in Abuja, said that the President had shown deep interest in restoring most of the roads in the country, despite the challenges of funding and weather.
He said that some of the major road interventions approved by the President include:
- The resurfacing of the Third Mainland Bridge and the construction of the access road to the Lekki Deep Seaport, both in Lagos. The Third Mainland Bridge is one of the longest bridges in Africa and has been undergoing repairs since last year. The Lekki Deep Seaport is a new port being built by the Lagos State government in partnership with private investors, which will accommodate larger vessels and boost trade and economic activities in the region .
- The reconstruction of two collapsed bridges in Enugu and two locations on the Onitsha-Owerri road. The bridges are located at Mgbowo and Awgu on the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway and collapsed due to heavy rainfall and erosion. The Onitsha-Owerri road is a major link between Anambra and Imo states and has been in a deplorable condition for years.
- The upgrading of the ongoing Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia road and the dualisation of Lafia bypass. The Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia road is a vital corridor that connects the Federal Capital Territory with Nasarawa State and other northern states. The project is being financed by a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with the Chinese EXIMBank, which will also fund the dualisation of Lafia bypass from Makurdi through Oturkpo, through Oboloafor, down to Ninth Mile .
- The reconstruction of 17 points along the East-West Road that have been destroyed by flood. The East-West Road is a 338-kilometer dual carriageway that runs from Warri in Delta State to Oron in Akwa Ibom State, passing through Bayelsa and Rivers states. The road is a strategic infrastructure that serves the oil-rich Niger Delta region and has been under construction since 2006.
- The reconstruction of Shendam-Lafia road that collapsed due to heavy rainfall. The Shendam-Lafia road is a 74-kilometer road that links Plateau State with Nasarawa State and serves as an alternative route to Abuja.
- The reconstruction of Lokoja-Abuja road, which is a major artery that connects Kogi State with the Federal Capital Territory and other northern states. The road has been plagued by frequent accidents, traffic congestion, and poor maintenance.
Umahi said that these road interventions are worth about N217 billion and will enhance connectivity, safety, and economic activities across the country.
