Council also clears N1.83tn Dangote tax credit roads, Gboko airstrip, and N286bn maritime projects in sweeping transport infrastructure expansion.
By Umar Baba
Abuja, Nigeria | June 30, 2026
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved an ambitious package of road, aviation and maritime infrastructure projects valued at more than N2.4 trillion, signalling one of the Federal Government’s largest investments in transportation infrastructure under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The approvals, announced after the latest FEC meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, cover 23 strategic road projects across 10 states, a new airstrip in Benue State, and major maritime safety and port modernisation initiatives aimed at improving national connectivity, enhancing trade and stimulating economic growth.
The road component alone accounts for approximately N2.078 trillion, underscoring the administration’s renewed focus on rebuilding critical infrastructure amid growing public concerns over Nigeria’s deteriorating highway network.
Road Projects Spread Across 10 States
Briefing State House Correspondents after the Council meeting, Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed that FEC approved construction and rehabilitation projects across:
- Adamawa
- Taraba
- Ebonyi
- Kwara
- Cross River
- Kogi
- Lagos
- Niger
- Oyo
- Plateau
According to Umahi, the projects are designed to improve interstate connectivity, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, reduce transportation costs and promote economic development across the country.
He explained that the road programme aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope infrastructure agenda, which prioritises strategic transport corridors capable of driving industrial growth and regional integration.
Dangote Tax Credit Roads Worth N1.83 Trillion Approved
One of the most significant approvals was the reconstruction of approximately 400.9 kilometres of federal highways under the Federal Government’s Tax Credit Scheme.
The projects, valued at N1.8325 trillion, will be executed by the Dangote Group, replacing an earlier contract awarded in 2022.
Government officials believe the tax credit arrangement will accelerate project delivery by leveraging private sector financing while reducing pressure on public finances.
Infrastructure experts, however, say the success of the initiative will depend on transparency in contract execution, quality assurance and strict monitoring to ensure taxpayers receive value for money.
Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Gets Fresh Boost
The Council also approved the Full Business Case for the operation and maintenance of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway under a modified Swiss Challenge procurement model.
Umahi disclosed that President Tinubu directed the Ministry of Works to immediately commence procurement for reconstructing failed sections of the expressway using concrete pavement technology, expected to provide greater durability than conventional asphalt surfaces.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway remains Nigeria’s busiest economic corridor, linking Lagos ports with major commercial centres across the country.
Additional Funding Approved for Ongoing Projects
Recognising rising construction costs caused by inflation and exchange rate pressures, FEC approved an additional N15 billion for a road project in Gashua, Yobe State, originally awarded in 2022.
The Council also approved N15.246 billion for Phase II of the Yola–Fufore–Gurin Road in Adamawa State following the successful completion of Phase I.
Umahi further revealed that the first 118-kilometre section of the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Highway, valued at N137 billion, has been completed, while work on the remaining 164 kilometres is expected to conclude by November.
Gboko Airstrip Receives N34.4 Billion Approval
Beyond road infrastructure, FEC approved N34.398 billion for the construction of an airstrip in Gboko, Benue State.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the contract was awarded to CCECC Nigeria Limited.
According to him, the airstrip will serve multiple purposes, including:
- Agricultural logistics
- Security operations
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Humanitarian interventions
- Regional economic development
The project is expected to improve accessibility to Benue State, one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural producers.
N286 Billion Maritime Projects to Modernise Ports
The Council equally approved maritime infrastructure projects valued at approximately N286 billion to strengthen Nigeria’s blue economy and modernise port operations.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, announced four major approvals.
They include:
Pollution Control Vessels
FEC approved approximately N59.05 billion for the acquisition of two specialised pollution-control vessels to combat marine pollution, including plastic waste across Nigeria’s territorial waters.
Pilot Cutter Boats
Council approved N80.03 billion for six pilot cutter boats that will facilitate safer navigation within Nigerian ports by transporting marine pilots to incoming vessels.
Firefighting Boats
Another approval covers two firefighting boats valued at approximately N34.06 billion, designed to improve emergency response capabilities at ports, oil terminals and jetties.
Escravos Channel Dredging
The Council approved N112.85 billion for capital and maintenance dredging of the Escravos Channel through a Public-Private Partnership involving the Nigerian Ports Authority and private investors.
The project is expected to improve channel depth, facilitate larger vessel access, strengthen pollution surveillance and enhance navigational safety.
Economic Impact and Fiscal Questions
The approvals represent one of the largest single-day infrastructure commitments by the Tinubu administration and are expected to generate employment, improve logistics and stimulate economic activities nationwide.
However, economic analysts say implementation will be the real test.
With Nigeria facing mounting public debt, rising inflation and constrained government revenues, experts argue that timely execution, transparent procurement processes and effective project monitoring will determine whether the investments translate into measurable economic benefits.
They also note that past infrastructure projects have often suffered delays, cost overruns and maintenance challenges, highlighting the need for stronger accountability mechanisms.
Infrastructure as Economic Strategy
The Federal Government maintains that modern infrastructure remains central to its strategy for attracting investment, reducing transportation costs, supporting agriculture and improving Nigeria’s competitiveness.
Officials argue that better roads, efficient ports and expanded aviation infrastructure will facilitate trade, strengthen regional integration and improve access to markets for businesses across the country.
If implemented as planned, the projects could significantly reshape Nigeria’s transportation landscape while supporting long-term economic growth.
The Federal Executive Council’s approval of more than N2.4 trillion in road, aviation and maritime infrastructure projects marks a significant policy commitment to expanding Nigeria’s transport network.
While the scale of the investment reflects the administration’s infrastructure ambitions, stakeholders say sustained funding, transparency, strict project supervision and timely completion will ultimately determine whether Nigerians experience the promised improvements in mobility, commerce and economic development.
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