Tinubu Administration Marks First Anniversary with N6tn in Infrastructure Contracts
Written by Deborah Oyinloye on May 28, 2024
In its first year, President Bola Tinubu’s government has awarded 51 contracts valued at N6.27 trillion, focused on advancing Nigeria’s infrastructure. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved these projects over the past eight months, from October 16, 2023, to May 14, 2024. These projects span various sectors, including road and bridge construction, train systems, and airport developments.
Major Infrastructure Initiatives
Among the approved contracts are 43 road projects and three airport projects, showcasing the administration’s commitment to improving national infrastructure. The FEC, Nigeria’s top executive body comprising senior officials such as ministers, plays a crucial role in policy formulation and execution of government projects. This body aids the President in fulfilling his executive duties, though the President remains the ultimate decision-maker.
In his inaugural speech on May 29, 2023, President Tinubu emphasized his commitment to infrastructure development, stating, “We shall continue the efforts of the Buhari administration on infrastructure. Progress toward national networks of roads, rail, and ports shall get priority attention.”
FEC Meetings and Policy Agenda
At the inaugural FEC meeting in August, President Tinubu urged his cabinet to work diligently towards creating a robust economy. He highlighted the high expectations of Nigerians and warned against underperformance. “You and I know that expectations are high, and these are tough times. We must work hard and move ourselves to create a buoyant economy that will serve Nigeria,” he stated.
President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s focus on economic reforms, sustainable growth, and enhanced national security. He approved weekly FEC meetings every Monday, shifting from the previous administration’s Wednesday schedule.
Notable Projects
Abuja-Lokoja Route
On May 14, the Ministry of Works received N89 billion for reconstructing the Koton-Karfe-Abaji road along the Abuja-Lokoja route in Kogi State. On the same day, a #120 billion contract was awarded for the dualization of the Lokoja-Benin road’s Okpela section, financed by BUA Cement under a tax credit scheme. This meeting, chaired by Tinubu, unveiled 21 significant policy initiatives.
Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
Another significant project approved on May 14 was section two of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, costing N1.6 trillion. Additionally, N546 billion was allocated for roads and bridges in Kwara, Edo, and Kebbi States, and N230 billion for constructing a 37-kilometer Kano Bypass road.
Nationwide Road and Bridge Projects
On February 26, the Federal Government approved N1.067 trillion for the first phase of the Lagos-Calabar highway, a 47.47-kilometer dual carriageway. This project is part of a larger 700-kilometer road spanning nine states. The Minister of Works, David Umahi, noted, “The Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, designed to stretch 700 kilometres and pass through nine states, was awarded to Hitech Construction Company Limited on an Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing arrangement.”
On March 26, Umahi announced the approval of N1.495 trillion in contracts for 29 roads and bridges across the country. “Today, the Federal Executive Council considered and approved 29 roads and bridges totalling N1.5 trillion. After going through the Bureau of Public Procurement, they were all approved by FEC, and we got Certification of No Objection,” he explained.
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Author: Deborah Oyinloye
With an interest in media, Deborah aims to impart the lives of people positively.
