Nigerian government approves N3.94tn for road projects and N286bn for maritime vessels
via Punch Nigeria5 min read
The Federal Executive Council, presided over by President Bola Tinubu, approved N3.94tn for 25 road projects across 10 states and N286bn for the procurement of pollution control, pilot-transfer, and firefighting vessels for Nigeria's port system. The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, announced that the council ratified approvals for road construction, rehabilitation, dualisation, and concession arrangements. This includes the full business case for the operation and maintenance of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, with President Tinubu directing a full reconstruction using reinforced concrete due to deterioration. The 400.9km Mokwa-Tegina-Bida-Lambata access road in Niger State was rescoped and awarded to the Dangote Group under the tax credit scheme for N1.8325tn. Additionally, 23 road projects in Adamawa, Taraba, Ebonyi, Kwara, Cross River, Kogi, Lagos, Niger, Oyo, and Plateau states were approved at a combined cost of N2.078tn. The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, detailed the approval of four memos for specialized maritime vessels totaling N286bn. These include two anti-pollution boats for Port Harcourt at N59.052bn, six cataboats for pilot-transfer operations at N80.029bn, and two firefighting boats at approximately N34.059bn. A N112.85bn contract for collaborative channeling and dredging of the Escravos-Warri waterway was also approved.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe United Nations World Food Programme has inaugurated a $3.4 million humanitarian air service terminal at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport Maiduguri. This facility, funded by the United Kingdom鈥檚 Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the United Nations World Food Programme through the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service, aims to improve the movement of people and humanitarian supplies to areas in Northeast Nigeria inaccessible by road. Emmanuel Bigenimana, Head of Area Office, United Nations World Food Programme, stated that air services are crucial for quick and safe delivery of assistance. The terminal, which operates entirely on solar energy, will enhance the organization's capabilities, efficiency, and security, providing dedicated facilities for passengers, cargo, and flight planning. Abdullahi Ganduje, Chairman of the Board of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, noted that the terminal will boost the delivery of food and medical supplies to communities displaced by insurgency. Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, represented by Babakura Mamman, Executive Secretary, Agency for Sustainable Development, Partnerships and Humanitarian Response, highlighted the facility's role in strengthening humanitarian operations. The terminal includes a UNHAS humanitarian terminal, an integrated office, a cargo office, a flight planning center, and operational equipment such as weather observation systems, an X-ray machine, CCTV cameras, and a conveyor belt.
Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong commended Mbekezile Mbokazi as South Africa鈥檚 top performer at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite Bafana Bafana鈥檚 elimination in the Round of 32 after a 1-0 loss to Canada. Troost-Ekong, analyzing the game on SuperSport, highlighted Mbokazi's commanding display in the South African defense. He also suggested that South Africa鈥檚 cautious second-half strategy ultimately proved detrimental. The former Nigeria international attributed Mbokazi's development to his move from Orlando Pirates to Chicago Fire FC during the winter transfer window, noting that regular MLS exposure ahead of the World Cup year significantly sharpened his skills.
World record holder Tobi Amusan stated she feels no pressure to maintain her top form this season after securing a victory at the Paris Diamond League. Amusan equaled her season's best of 12.28s to win the women's 100m hurdles, finishing ahead of American athletes Grace Stark and Alaysha Johnson. This marks the third time this season she has clocked 12.28s, having achieved the same time at the Xiamen and Rabat Diamond Leagues in May. The win in Paris is her second on the Diamond League circuit this season, following her triumph in Rabat. She also won the New Taipei City Athletics Open and claimed gold at the African Championships in Botswana. Amusan, who has won three consecutive Diamond League titles from 2021 to 2023, expressed happiness about being injury-free and attributed her calm demeanor to a strong support system. She is scheduled to compete next at the Prefontaine Classic.