‎By Muhyideen Jimoh
‎
‎The Federal Government has begun reconstruction of the collapsed Keffi Flyover in Nasarawa State, while accelerating major roadworks across the country.

Minister of Works, Mr Dave Umahi, disclosed this after Thursday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu.

Umahi described the July 4 collapse as “very unfortunate” and confirmed a settlement with the families of the three persons who lost their lives.

“We lost three lives there. We have settled with the families. They are not pressing charges. Reconstruction has commenced,” the minister stated.

He said one carriageway has been closed for urgent repairs, following structural assessments to prevent further hazards.

The Keffi Flyover is a critical link between Abuja, Nasarawa and other parts of Nigeria’s north-central region.

Umahi added that FEC has approved funding and reviews for several key road and bridge projects nationwide.

He noted that 360 road rehabilitation projects were completed in 2023, and inspections are ongoing across all zones.

To enhance transparency, state engineering chambers will now help monitor federal road projects in their respective domains.

The minister listed several strategic projects, many exceeding ₦10 billion, that have either begun or received significant funding.

They include: Abuja Road Lot 1: 118 km at ₦275bn (30 per cent disbursed and completed); and Lot 2: 164 km at ₦502bn (₦150bn released for six sections).

Other priority projects are: Enugu–Onitsha Road: 72 km at ₦150bn (₦45bn released); Abuja–Kano Road: ₦220bn (30 per cent disbursed); and Bauchi–Jigawa Sections: Fully funded.

Also included is the Nembe–Brass Road: ₦156bn, with 30 per cent of funds already released.

The near-complete Port Harcourt–Bodo–Bonny Road spans 35 km and costs ₦200bn.

Further projects: Benin–Ifon–Akure Road: 108.4 km (30 per cent disbursed);
Akure–Ado-Ekiti Road: 256 km at ₦761bn (30 per cent released).

Newly approved and revised projects include: Biu–Numa Road (Borno/Adamawa): Revised to ₦61.76bn from ₦15.4bn.

Maraba–Keffi Road (Nasarawa): Dualisation of 43.6 km at ₦76bn. Ikorodu–Sagamu Road (Lagos): ₦11.42bn variation approved for completion.

Also, Kashamu–Amshi–Guru–Gurus Road (Yobe): ₦23.4bn for binder courses and a new vehicle bridge.

Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway: Kebbi Section: 258 km x2 at ₦1.92tn;
Sokoto Section: 120 km x2 at ₦912bn.

Further approvals include: Afe Babalola University Access Road (Ekiti): 14.4 km revised to ₦9.32bn due to funding gaps.

Trans-Saharan Highway (Oyo–Benue border): Extended from 180 km to 231.64 km. Revised cost: ₦445.8bn due to soil failures and realignment.

Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway (Sections 4A and 4B in Ogun and Ondo): 80.35 km x2 at ₦1.65tn, including 6-metre swamp excavation.

Umahi pledged to publish a comprehensive list of all ongoing and approved projects in the coming weeks. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo