"Federal Government Grants ₦493 Billion for the Modernization of Kano-Katsina Highway and Construction of Novel Carter Bridge in Lagos"
In a recent meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved a significant investment of ₦493 billion for two major infrastructure projects in Nigeria. The projects, which include upgrading the Kano-Katsina Road and constructing a new Carter Bridge in Lagos State, are set to improve transportation and boost economic development in the regions.
The Kano-Katsina Road upgrade will receive a revised budget of ₦134 billion. The project has been divided into two sections, with Section One (74.1km) initially awarded in 2013 for ₦14 billion, revised to ₦24 billion, and now updated to ₦68 billion. According to the proposed funding plan, Section One will receive ₦6 billion in the 2024 budget and ₦34 billion in 2025. Section Two (79.5km), awarded in 2019 for ₦29 billion and revised to ₦46 billion, has been adjusted to ₦66.115 billion and will receive ₦80 billion over the 2024 and 2025 budgets.
The Carter Bridge project is necessary due to severe structural damage caused by illegal sand mining, erosion, and corrosion of piles and piers. The approved budget for this construction is ₦359 billion, reflecting updated cost estimates consistent with current economic realities. Discussions are ongoing with Deutsche Bank for possible funding for the new Carter Bridge.
In addition to these projects, the FEC also approved emergency interventions for several bridges, including the Jalingo Bridge in Taraba State, Ido Bridge, Keffi Flyover in Nasarawa State, Mokwa Bridge in Niger State, a damaged bridge on the Abuja-Kogi route, bridges between Lagos and Ibadan damaged by vehicle collisions, Jebba Bridge in Kwara State, and Itokin-Ikorodu Bridge in Lagos State.
Moreover, public-private partnership (PPP) bids were sanctioned for the rehabilitation and new construction of the Carter and 3rd Mainland Bridges. The 3rd Mainland Bridge requires rehabilitation at a projected cost of ₦3.8 trillion or a full replacement at ₦3.6 trillion. FEC also approved engaging at least seven specialist contractors for detailed investigations, designs, and bidding for both rehabilitation and new construction options for the Carter and 3rd Mainland Bridges under the EPC+F model.
These disclosures were made by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, following the FEC meeting. The investments in these infrastructure projects aim to improve transportation infrastructure and contribute to the overall economic development of Nigeria.
