The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a total of ₦493 billion for two major infrastructure projects, the upgrading of the Kano-Katsina Road and the construction of a new Carter Bridge in Lagos State.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, while briefing State House correspondents after Wednesday’s FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Naijaonpoint reports that Umahi explained that the 152-kilometre Kano-Katsina Road, split into two sections by the previous administration, had undergone significant cost adjustments due to prevailing economic realities.

Section One (74.1km) – Originally awarded in 2013 at ₦14 billion, revised to ₦24 billion, and now updated to ₦68 billion.
Section Two (79.5km) – Awarded in 2019 for ₦29 billion, increased to ₦46 billion, and now further revised to ₦66.115 billion.

The total cost for both sections now stands at approximately ₦134 billion. According to Umahi, Section One will receive ₦6 billion in the 2024 budget and ₦34 billion in 2025, while Section Two will get ₦80 billion within the same period.

Carter Bridge Gets Nod For Full Replacement

Speaking on the Carter Bridge, the minister revealed that underwater inspections conducted in 2013 and 2019 had uncovered severe structural damage caused by illegal sand mining, erosion, and corrosion of piles and piers.

“Julius Berger, the contractor handling the bridge repairs, advised that the structure is beyond repair and recommended full replacement,” Umahi said.

The cost of building a new Carter Bridge is estimated at ₦359 billion, with talks ongoing with Deutsche Bank for possible funding.

3rd Mainland Bridge and Other Critical Structures

Umahi also noted that similar underwater damage had been discovered on the 3rd Mainland Bridge, with rehabilitation projected to cost ₦3.8 trillion, while a full replacement is estimated at ₦3.6 trillion.

FEC approved engaging at least seven specialist contractors under the EPC+F model (Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing) to conduct detailed investigations, designs, and bidding for both rehabilitation and new construction options for the Carter and 3rd Mainland Bridges. Public-private partnership (PPP) bids were also sanctioned for these projects.