Umahi Describes Infrastructure Drive as Catalysts for Economic Growth, National Integration as FEC Approbes ₦631.3 bn for Additional Nine Road Projects 

Umahi Describes Infrastructure Drive as Catalysts for Economic Growth, National Integration as FEC Approbes ₦631.3 bn for Additional Nine Road Projects

By Our Reporter

Abuja (Core Reporters) -Road infrastructure remains a vital driver of economic growth, national integration, and sustainable development. Efficient road networks connect communities, facilitate trade, improve market access, ease the movement of people, agricultural produce, and industrial goods, attract investment, and create employment opportunities.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) in furtherance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, approved the sum of six hundred and thirty-one billion, three hundred million (₦631, 300, 000) for nine (9) additional road infrastructure projects across the country, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening transportation networks and unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential.

The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, who disclosed this to State House Correspondents following the FEC Meeting, presided over by President Tinubu said the approvals cover strategic road projects in several states, alongside remedial works and rehabilitation interventions, reflecting the administration’s determination to address critical infrastructure gaps, improve connectivity and promote balanced development across the Federation.

Among the major projects approved by the Council are:

– Ado–Ilawe–Ilumaba–Ikole Road in Ekiti State, 81.1 kilometres, which is expected to improve connectivity, facilitate trade and stimulate economic activities within the State and its neighbours,

95-Kilometre Etuke–Okene–Ankpa–Otopa Road in Kogi State: a strategic intervention aimed at enhancing road transportation, strengthening regional links and supporting commercial activities.

– Bichi Ring Road in Kano State, which is expected to improve urban connectivity, ease traffic congestion, and facilitate movement within the rapidly expanding metropolitan area.

The Council also approved road projects in Adamawa and Taraba States, Remedial Works on the East-West Road, and the Rehabilitation of Sokoto–Illela Road.

These interventions highlight the strategic importance of road infrastructure to agricultural development, trade, tourism, industrial expansion, and improved livelihoods. By strengthening transportation links, the projects are expected to support economic activities and improve access to essential services across the affected communities.

Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria-Kano Expressway Records Significant Progress*

In another significant development, the Works Minister disclosed that the first 118-kilometre Sections of the road have been completed, while construction on the remaining part is nearing completion. The completed sections, both on asphaltic and concrete pavements, are fitted with solar-powered street lights to enhance visibility at night.

The progress marks an important milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to upgrade one of Nigeria’s major transportation corridors, which serves as a critical route for passenger movement, commercial transportation, and regional economic integration.

The highway’s advancement also reflects the administration’s continued focus on infrastructure delivery, with emphasis on project execution, road quality, and improved connectivity along major national corridors.

*Roads as Drivers of Economic Growth and National Integration*

Beyond their physical structures, roads are essential economic assets that influence productivity, trade, and citizens’ overall well-being. Efficient road networks enable farmers to transport produce to markets more quickly, allow businesses to distribute goods more efficiently, and improve access to education, healthcare, as well as other essential services.

Strategic investments in road infrastructure reduce transportation costs, strengthen supply chains, stimulate private-sector investment, guarantee food security, and create opportunities for employment and enterprise development.

The latest FEC approval, therefore, represents more than financial commitments; they constitute strategic investments in economic productivity, national cohesion and long-term development.

As the Federal Government sustains its infrastructure development programme under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, effective project implementation, quality assurance, transparency and value for money remain essential to ensuring that approved investments translate into tangible benefits for Nigerians.

The Federal Ministry of Works remains committed to developing and maintaining a robust national road network that supports economic growth, strengthens national integration, and advances the administration’s vision of shared prosperity.