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By Stella Odueme
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved ₦631.3 billion for nine road infrastructure projects across the country as part of efforts to improve transportation networks, stimulate economic growth and strengthen national integration.
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, disclosed this to State House correspondents on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, after the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu.
According to Umahi, in a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed, on Wednesday, the approvals cover strategic road projects in several states, as well as remedial works and rehabilitation interventions aimed at addressing critical infrastructure gaps and improving connectivity.
Among the projects approved are the 81.1-kilometre Ado–Ilawe–Ilumaba–Ikole Road in Ekiti State, the 95-kilometre Etuke–Okene–Ankpa–Otopa Road in Kogi State and the Bichi Ring Road in Kano State.
The council also approved road projects in Adamawa and Taraba states, remedial works on the East-West Road and the rehabilitation of the Sokoto–Illela Road.
Umahi said the projects would improve movement of people and goods, facilitate trade, enhance access to markets and essential services, and create employment opportunities in the benefiting communities.
He noted that investments in road infrastructure remained central to President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in promoting economic diversification, agricultural development and balanced national growth.
The minister also announced significant progress on the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway, disclosing that the first 118-kilometre sections had been completed, while work on the remaining portions was nearing completion.
He said the completed sections, featuring both asphaltic and concrete pavements, were equipped with solar-powered streetlights to improve visibility and safety for motorists at night.
The highway serves as a major transportation corridor for passenger movement, commercial activities and regional economic integration.
Umahi stressed that efficient road networks were essential for reducing transportation costs, strengthening supply chains, supporting food security and attracting private-sector investment.
He added that the Federal Ministry of Works remained committed to ensuring quality infrastructure delivery, transparency, effective project implementation and value for money.
The ministry said the latest approvals represented strategic investments in economic productivity, national cohesion and long-term development.