FEC earmarks N427bn for reconstruction of Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa Expressway

*H. E. (Senator) Engr. Dave Umahi, Honourable Minister for Works recalls that previous administrations had awarded the 103-kilometer Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa dual carriageway reconstruction project, but recorded little progress ever since

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) Wednesday, March 4, 2026, approved the reconstruction of the Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa Expressway, a 103-kilometer dual carriageway at a cost of ₦427 billion.

ConsumerConnect reports H. E. (Senator) Engr. Dave Umahi, Honourable Minister for Works, disclosed this development at a media briefing with State House Correspondents after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the State House, Abuja, FCT.

Price Fixing: FCCPC warns Lagos traders against exploitative practices, urges consumer protection

The FEC approval of the fund for the reconstruction of Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa Expressway, was said to be part of six major infrastructure projects the Council approved Wednesday.

The Minister also recalled that previous administrations had awarded the road reconstruction project, but recorded little progress ever since.

Umahi as well acknowledged that the Oyo State Government (OYSG) had already done to standard, about five kilometres of the expressway as part of the state’s infrastructure development programme.

Besides, he disclosed the FEC equally, approved a cost of ₦5.6 billion for the design and costing of a new Carter Bridge project in Lagos State.

The Minister hinted that the Carter Bridge would be demolished in line with recommendations of the technical evaluations and stakeholder consultations which observed that the existing bridge structure could no longer be rehabilitated.

“The stakeholders’ engagement and technical reviews showed that the Carter Bridge could no longer be rehabilitated.

“It has to be demolished and a completely new bridge constructed,” he explained.

According to him, a firm, Advanced Engineering Consultants, has been engaged to carry out the detailed design and cost assessment ahead of the procurement process for the construction of the new bridge in the state.

Engineer Umahi told the State House Correspondents that the Federal Government had re-awarded the Suleja–Minna Road, to China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC) at a cost of ₦91 billion.

He noted the company only had to complete the remaining 71 kilometres of the dual carriageway.

The Minister noted the projects initially, awarded to Salini Construction Company, was terminated due to poor performance by the company.

Umahi told reporters that the second carriageway has also received clearance from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

He confirmed that President Tinubu instructed that for durability, the road be constructed using reinforced concrete.

Update on Abuja–Lokoja Expressway, others

Aside from these projects, the Federal Executive Council also approved the reconstruction of the Abuja–Lokoja Road at a cost of ₦146 billion.Umahi informed reporters that following the termination of contracts awarded to two underperforming contractors, the affected 86-kilometre section then, would be handled by five contractors.

These include Julius Berger, the contractor which is already executing other segments along the corridor, according to Umahi.

The Council also approved Phase Two of the Keffi–Nasarawa–Abaji Road rehabilitation project, covering 129.3 kilometres at a cost of ₦203 billion.

When completed, the road project, according to the Minister, the road will significantly improve connectivity between Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In respect of project commissioning, Senator Umahi hinted at May 15 dateline for inauguration of four major road projects in each of the six geopolitical zones across the country.

He stated: “We are presenting a minimum of four completed projects in each zone for presidential commissioning by May 15.

“These are not palliative works; they are major infrastructure projects.”

Kindly Share This Story