Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved several key projects and policy initiatives aimed at boosting infrastructure, diversifying the economy, and reforming critical sectors of national development.
At its recent meetings held on May 5th and 15th, the Council gave a nod to the rescoping of major road infrastructure projects across the country, endorsed the establishment of a National Cocoa Management Board, and approved two comprehensive national policies for the power and marine sectors.
Massive Road Rescoping and New Contracts Across States
The Minister of Works, Mr. David Umahi, said the Council approved the adjustment of several road projects to reflect current fiscal realities while maintaining critical infrastructure goals.
Among the major decisions:
In Ondo and Ekiti States, the Akure–Eta–Oburu–Ijo–Ekiti to Ikere–Ado–Ekiti dual carriageway was rescoped from 18.4 kilometers to 15 kilometers, at a contract sum of ₦19.4 billion.
The Sokoto–Zamfara–Katsina–Kaduna highway, initially 375 kilometers, has been split into four sections. The Zamfara segment, now 82.4 kilometers including six bridges, retains its ₦105 billion allocation.
The Maiduguri–Monguno road in Borno State, originally awarded in 2018, will now be executed in two phases. Phase One covers 30 kilometers at ₦21 billion.
Additional approvals include:
A ₦25 billion Abakaliki–Afikpo Flyover in Ebonyi State.
₦37 billion for the Ikoga–Anathan–Alagboti–Odo road in Ogun State.
₦150 billion for the 77-kilometer Enugu–Onitsha road, partially executed through credit.
₦487 billion funding to complete 96 kilometers of the Benin–Akure–Sagamu road.
A ₦30.2 billion Phase One contract for the Aba–Ikot-Ekpene road.
A revised ₦176.5 billion contract for the Ebute–Ero Marina shoreline project in Lagos, addressing coastal erosion threatening key naval and military installations.
Progress was also reported on the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, with 30 kilometers of Section One completed and ready for commissioning. The project’s Section Two and a 10-kilometer stretch in Kebbi State are also expected to be completed by May 25.
Cocoa Sector Reform Underway
In a move to revitalize the cocoa industry, the Federal Government is set to establish a National Cocoa Management Board. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the bill for the board’s creation would soon be forwarded to the National Assembly.
According to the Minister, the board will oversee production, processing, and marketing of cocoa across the country. He noted that Nigeria had consulted with Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire—two leading cocoa producers with established management boards—towards adopting a similar structure.
The proposal follows the work of a Cocoa Management Committee which had assessed the viability of such a board and submitted its findings to the FEC.
Landmark Policies Approved for Power and Marine Economy
The Council also approved two major national policy documents for the transformation of Nigeria’s power and marine sectors.
Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, announced the approval of the National Integrated Electricity Policy and Strategic Implementation Plan, as required by the 2023 Electricity Act. The policy offers a comprehensive roadmap for power generation, transmission, distribution, and renewable energy integration.
The policy emphasizes reforms in market structure, stakeholder roles, social inclusion, local content, and innovation, with a provision for a five-year review cycle.
Mr. Adelabu also disclosed that a National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy has been approved for implementation between 2025 and 2034. The 10-year policy aims to harness Nigeria’s vast marine resources for economic growth.
The document covers areas such as maritime trade, fisheries, marine industries, energy, tourism, education, governance, and environmental sustainability.
According to the Minister, the policy is expected to attract investment, build capacity, and promote climate-resilient maritime development, positioning Nigeria as a major player in the global blue economy.
COV/BELLO WAKILI
