Hussaini Umar
In a decisive move to end the era of “palliative” road repairs, the Federal Executive Council (FEC), chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved six major infrastructure projects totaling ₦1.21 Trillion. The highlight of this rollout is a mandatory shift to reinforced concrete technology, designed to provide a 50-year lifespan for Nigeria’s most critical transport corridors.
The 2026 Infrastructure Portfolio
The approved projects span the six geopolitical zones, with a strategic focus on high-traffic economic arteries.
| Project Name | Scope | Tech / Features | Approved Cost |
| Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa Road | 103 km Dual Carriageway | Reinforced Concrete | ₦427 Billion |
| Kano–Kongolam Corridor | 132 km (Kano-Jigawa-Katsina) | 3-Lane Concrete + CCTV | ₦334 Billion |
| Keffi–Nasarawa–Abaji | 129.3 km (Phase Two) | Standard 11.55m Width | ₦203 Billion |
| Abuja–Lokoja Highway | 86 km Reconstruction | Reinforced Concrete | ₦146 Billion |
| Suleja–Minna Road | 71 km Completion | Reinforced Concrete | ₦91 Billion |
| New Carter Bridge | Design & Evaluation | Total Reconstruction | ₦5.6 Billion |
The Tech Upgrade: Solar Lights & CCTV
Perhaps the most innovative redesign is the Kano–Kongolam transport corridor. Originally awarded as a standard asphalt road in 2022 for ₦115 billion, it has been rescoped as a three-lane concrete dual carriageway.
To address regional security concerns, the 132-km stretch linking Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina will now feature:
- Solar-powered street lighting for 24/7 visibility.
- CCTV surveillance systems to monitor and deter criminal activity along the route.
The Carter Bridge: From Repair to Replacement
Lagos’ historic Carter Bridge has reached its technical “end of life.” Following extensive structural integrity tests, Minister of Works David Umahi confirmed that the bridge can no longer be rehabilitated. The FEC has authorized ₦5.6 billion for the immediate design and cost evaluation of a modern replacement, which will eventually see the current structure demolished.
The May 15 Deadline
The Ministry of Works has set an ambitious target to commission at least four major road projects in each of the six geopolitical zones by May 15, 2026. This “commissioning sprint” is intended to demonstrate the tangible delivery of the “Renewed Hope” infrastructure agenda
