The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has given the green light for the release of ₦187 billion to finalize construction on the Benin–Shagamu–Ore Expressway, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing transport infrastructure overhaul.
This approval was announced by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during a press briefing on Monday, shortly after the conclusion of the weekly FEC meeting in Abuja.
Final Phase of the Benin–Shagamu–Ore Road
According to Umahi, the newly approved funding will cover the last 96 kilometres of the dual carriageway—specifically, 48 kilometres on each lane. The contract for this segment has now been awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
“This final phase begins where previous works stopped—12 kilometres from the Shagamu Interchange—leaving 48 kilometres per lane,” Umahi explained. “The Council has now approved this for ₦187 billion to ensure the road is fully completed.”
This highway remains one of the most critical transit corridors in Nigeria, linking the Southwest and South-South regions, and playing a key role in commercial transportation and logistics.
Broader Project Portfolio Ratified by FEC
In addition to the expressway project, the Council endorsed a wide range of revised and newly awarded infrastructure projects spanning various states, all aligned with the federal government’s directive to ensure projects match available financial resources.
Southeast Projects: Enugu–Onitsha and Ebonyi Flyover
A key highlight from the southeast includes the re-scoped Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, now covering 77 kilometres and re-awarded at ₦150 billion. This road, notorious for decades of neglect, will finally undergo full reconstruction to improve travel and trade between Enugu and Anambra states.
In Ebonyi State, the Council also approved ₦25 billion for the construction of the Abakaliki–Afikpo flyover, a project expected to decongest traffic, boost connectivity, and support the state’s urban development agenda.
Southwest Projects: Ogun and Lekki Corridors
In Ogun State, the FEC approved ₦37.045 billion for the Ikoga Road, a vital regional link for communities around the Yewa and Ipokia axis. This complements a major development for the Lekki logistics corridor, as the Council also sanctioned $651.7 million for the Lekki Deep Sea Port–Shagamu evacuation corridor.
This crucial project will involve 50 kilometres of new roads and five kilometres of bridge structures, enhancing freight movement between Lekki Port, Dangote Refinery, and inland trade routes. Financing will come through a loan agreement with China Exim Bank, with construction to commence shortly.
South-South and Southeast Approvals: Shoreline and Aba Corridor
For Lagos Island, the FEC approved a revised budget of ₦176.495 billion for the Ebute-Ero Outer Marina Shoreline rehabilitation, an increase from its original ₦144 billion estimate. The new allocation accounts for emergency erosion threats that now endanger key infrastructure, including military and naval installations.
Additionally, in Abia and Akwa Ibom States, the federal government will launch phase one of the Aba–Ikot Ekpene Road, with a budget of ₦30.225 billion. This project aims to link major economic hubs in the South-South and Southeast, strengthening cross-regional trade.
Northern Corridor Projects Receive New Structure
The FEC also restructured several major projects in Northern Nigeria, many of which had been delayed or abandoned by previous administrations. To streamline delivery, multiple highways were re-scoped into smaller, manageable segments.
Sokoto–Zamfara–Katsina–Kaduna Highway
The dualization of the Sokoto–Zamfara–Katsina–Kaduna Road has now been reduced to 82.4 kilometres, incorporating six bridges, but will retain its initial ₦105 billion funding. This revision is designed to fast-track completion by focusing on the most critical stretches of the highway.
Maiduguri–Monguno Road
For Borno State, the Maiduguri–Monguno Road was split into phases to enable quicker execution. The Council approved the first 30 kilometres at a cost of ₦21 billion, ensuring smoother transportation in this insurgency-affected region.
Adamawa State: Gombe–Yola Corridor
In Adamawa State, ₦9.253 billion has been approved for phase one of the Cham–Numan section of the Gombe–Yola Road. The project targets both agricultural transportation and security mobility in the North-East.
Progress on Coastal Highway and National Roadmap
Minister Umahi also provided updates on the flagship Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, revealing that 30 kilometres of section one and 10 kilometres of section two have already been completed. These portions are now ready for commissioning by the President, signaling steady progress on one of Nigeria’s most ambitious infrastructure undertakings.
Umahi emphasized that the government remains committed to delivering value-for-money infrastructure, noting that all current projects are being adjusted based on actual needs, terrain challenges, and funding availability.
A Renewed Commitment to National Infrastructure
These latest approvals underscore the federal government’s renewed focus on completing critical transport infrastructure that has long suffered from funding gaps, contract inconsistencies, and prolonged timelines.
From the Benin–Shagamu–Ore expressway in the South to re-scoped highways in the North, the current administration appears determined to accelerate infrastructure delivery through better financial planning and project monitoring.
With billions of naira and foreign-backed funding now flowing into roads, bridges, and shoreline protections, stakeholders across the country are watching closely to see if these developments will finally translate into durable, quality infrastructure that drives economic growth and improves daily life for Nigerians.
