FEC Sanctions ₦493 Billion For Kano-Katsina Road Upgrade, New Carter Bridge

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday approved a total of N493 billion for two major infrastructure projects: the upgrade of the Kano-Katsina Road and the construction of a new Carter Bridge in Lagos.

According to iReporter Online, the Council, presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, also sanctioned N142,028,576,008.17 for the construction of modern bus terminals across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed the approvals following the Council meeting, explaining that prevailing economic conditions had driven significant cost revisions for the 152-kilometre Kano-Katsina Road, previously split into two sections by the former administration.

Section One, covering 74.1km, was initially awarded in 2013 at N14 billion, later revised to N24 billion, and is now pegged at N68 billion. Section Two, spanning 79.5km, awarded in 2019 for N29 billion and later increased to N46 billion, has now risen to N66.115 billion, bringing the total for both sections to roughly N134 billion.

On the Carter Bridge, Umahi highlighted findings from underwater assessments in 2013 and 2019, which revealed significant damage to the substructure due to illegal sand mining, erosion, and corrosion.

Julius Berger, the contractor handling structural repairs, recommended a complete replacement.

“The cost of a new Carter Bridge is estimated at N359 billion, and discussions have begun with Deutsche Bank on possible funding,” Umahi stated.

According to iReporter Online, FEC also approved engagement of at least seven specialist contractors under an EPC+F model for investigations, design, and bidding for both rehabilitation and new-build options for the Carter and 3rd Mainland Bridges.

Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali, added that the N142 billion allocation for bus terminals has been awarded to Planet Project Limited.

Terminals will be sited in Abeokuta (South-West), Gombe (North-East), Kano (North-West), Lokoja (North-Central), Onitsha (South-East), and Ewu (South-South).

According to iReporter Online, Alkali emphasized that the project represents the Federal Government’s first direct intervention in road transport infrastructure beyond road construction, aiming to improve road safety, passenger comfort, and stimulate economic activities.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”