Tinubu’s Cabinet Bets Big on Concrete Highways, Lagos-Ibadan Concession, and Private-Sector Funding Amid Debt Fears
The Federal Executive Council has just signed off on one of Nigeria’s biggest single-day infrastructure pushes, approving over ₦4.26 trillion for roads, maritime, and aviation projects.
23 road contracts worth ₦2.078 trillion across 10 states, with a record ₦1.83 trillion, 400.9km dual carriageway in Niger State, going to the Dangote Group.
₦4.26tn Total, ₦2.078tn for Roads in 10 States
At its meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, FEC approved infrastructure projects worth ₦4.26 trillion, spanning roads, maritime safety and aviation.
The Federal Ministry of Works secured about ₦3.94 trillion for highways alone. Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, confirmed FEC approved 23 highway projects across 10 states, with a combined value of ₦2.078 trillion.
The 10 states
Adamawa, Taraba, Ebonyi, Kwara, Cross River, Kogi, Lagos, Niger, Oyo and Plateau.
The goal is to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and stimulate economic growth.
₦1.8325tn Niger State Mega-Road for Dangote
The single largest approval was the rescoping and re-award of a 400.9-kilometre dual carriageway in Niger State under a tax-credit arrangement.
Cost: ₦1.8325 trillion
Scope: 400.9km dual carriageway, which equals about 818km of pavement
Contractor: Dangote Group, replacing an earlier 2022 contract awarded to CGC
Umahi said the previous corridor had fatal accidents and trucks falling where people scooped fuel. President Tinubu directed that Dangote, who has major investment along that corridor, should take it over.
Technology: Reinforced concrete pavement for durability and to support heavy industrial traffic
Other Key Approvals – Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
FEC approved the Full Business Case for its operation and maintenance concession, paving the way for private-sector participation. President Tinubu also directed procurement for reconstruction of failed Ibadan sections using reinforced concrete. Umahi said the Ibadan axis “is failing very badly… very dangerous for vehicular movement”.
Other projects approved:
₦15 billion augmentation for a 32.2km Gashua, Yobe State road due to material cost increases ₦15.246 billion for Phase II of the Yola-Fufore-Gurin Road in Adamawa 118km section of Abuja–Kaduna–Kano highway completed at ₦137 billion, with remaining 164km due November
Funding Model: Tax Credit and Private Sector
The Niger road is under the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme. Under this model, companies invest their money and offset it against future tax liabilities. The government says this is not a concession but a tax credit policy.
The Debate: Priorities, Peter Obi, and Debt
The approvals come after Peter Obi’s call to prioritize neglected highways like Asaba-Benin, which is already under reconstruction as a 10-lane superhighway.
The massive spending has sparked divided views on priorities and funding amid Nigeria’s debt challenges. On the Sokoto-Badagry corridor, FEC also recently approved N1.79tn for a new section, and Section Three covering 162.97km from Badagry through Ogun to Oyo at N3.39bn per km.
Bottom Line
With ₦2.078tn for 23 roads and a ₦1.83tn concrete highway for Dangote, the Tinubu administration is making its largest bet yet on road infrastructure. The government says it will boost connectivity and growth, while critics question affordability and project selection.
