FEC Unleashes ₦493 Billion Mega Projects – Kano-Katsina Road, Lagos Carter Bridge Get Greenlight Details

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved ₦493 billion for two major infrastructure projects — the upgrade of the Kano-Katsina Road and the construction of a new Carter Bridge in Lagos.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, announced the decision after Wednesday’s FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Kano-Katsina Road Upgrade
The 152-kilometre Kano-Katsina Road, split into two sections under the previous administration, has seen significant cost revisions due to current economic conditions:

• Section One (74.1km) – Initially awarded in 2013 for ₦14 billion, later revised to ₦24 billion, now updated to ₦68 billion.

• Section Two (79.5km) – Awarded in 2019 for ₦29 billion, later revised to ₦46 billion, now updated to ₦66.115 billion.

The total cost for both sections is now about ₦134 billion, with ₦6 billion allocated to Section One in the 2024 budget and ₦34 billion in 2025, while Section Two will receive ₦80 billion across the same period.

New Carter Bridge for Lagos
Underwater inspections in 2013 and 2019 revealed severe structural damage to the Carter Bridge caused by illegal sand mining, erosion, and corrosion. Julius Berger, the contractor, concluded the bridge was beyond repair and recommended a full rebuild, estimated at ₦359 billion. Discussions are underway with Deutsche Bank for funding.

3rd Mainland Bridge & Other Critical Works
Umahi revealed similar underwater damage on the 3rd Mainland Bridge, with rehabilitation projected at ₦3.8 trillion and full replacement at ₦3.6 trillion. FEC has approved engaging seven specialist contractors under the EPC+F model to investigate, design, and bid for both the Carter and 3rd Mainland Bridge projects through public-private partnerships.

Emergency Bridge Repairs
Emergency works have also been approved for:

• Jalingo Bridge (Taraba State)

• Ido Bridge (fire damage)

• Keffi Flyover (Nasarawa State)

• Mokwa Bridge (Niger State)

• Abuja–Kogi damaged bridge

• Bridges between Lagos and Ibadan hit by vehicles

• Jebba Bridge (Kwara State)

• Itokin–Ikorodu Bridge (Lagos State)

The Minister said details of these emergency projects will be sent to the President for final approval via the Ministry of Finance.