The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved over ₦5 trillion for major highway construction and revisions across Nigeria, with two flagship projects the Sokoto–Badagry Highway and Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway taking the largest share of the funding.
This was disclosed by Minister of Works, David Umahi, while briefing State House correspondents following the FEC meeting held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
₦2 Trillion for Sokoto–Badagry Highway
According to Umahi, a major chunk of the approvals about ₦2 trillion was allocated to complete and expand the Sokoto–Badagry highway, a strategic north-south corridor aimed at connecting trade and border communities.
In August 2024, a single carriageway of 258 kilometers in Kebbi was awarded for ₦947 billion. The FEC has now approved the second carriageway for the same length and route at ₦961 billion.
Additionally, 120 kilometers in Sokoto State have been awarded for ₦456 billion.
“This brings the total construction in Sokoto to 240 kilometers and Kebbi to 516 kilometers,” Umahi explained. “Altogether, we’re looking at nearly ₦2 trillion committed to this key route.”
₦1.65 Trillion for Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway
Umahi also announced ₦1.65 trillion for Sections 4A and 4B of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which will span 80.35 kilometers across Ogun and Ondo States. The project is designed as a six-lane highway with elevated structures and deep-earth foundations to withstand swampy terrain.
The road will link critical economic zones and help ease logistics congestion at the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Dangote Refinery, and port complexes.
“This road will not only connect southern states more efficiently but also safeguard against flooding and long-term maintenance challenges,” Umahi noted.
Trans-Saharan Road, Maraba–Keffi, and Other Projects
The Trans-Sahara Highway connecting Ebonyi to the Benue border has also been revised. Due to challenging soil conditions and the addition of two bridges, the scope expanded from 118 km to 221.64 km, raising the cost from ₦361 billion to ₦445.85 billion.
Other notable revisions include:
- Biu–Numan Road (Borno–Adamawa): Originally awarded in 2020, revised from ₦15.43 billion to ₦61.76 billion, with inflation and FX devaluation as key factors.
- Maraba–Keffi Dual Carriageway: Project now phased due to subsidy removal and FX volatility; ₦76 billion cash flow secured via NNPC for partial completion.
- Ikorodu–Shagamu Road (Lagos–Ogun): ₦11.42 billion additional funding approved to fast-track the project, which is already 25% completed.
- Kashamu–Amshi–Guru–Gurus Road (Yobe State): Upgraded scope with new bridge and swamp protection, raising cost by ₦8.94 billion.
- Ado Ekiti–ABUAD Road (Ekiti State): Scope scaled down to 14.4 km due to budget constraints, now costing ₦9.32 billion instead of the original ₦40.72 km.
Why It Matters
These investments underscore the Tinubu administration’s commitment to infrastructure-led economic growth, despite fiscal constraints from subsidy removal and volatile exchange rates. According to the Ministry of Works, roads under construction across Nigeria are expected to boost regional trade, enhance logistics efficiency, and stimulate employment in host communities.
Experts say these highway projects could have a transformational impact if properly monitored and completed on time.
“We’ve seen ambitious announcements before, but delivery is key. Nigerians need durable roads, not just contracts,” said Dr. Bolaji Akinlade, an infrastructure analyst at Lagos Business School.
The Ministry has not yet released a timeline for the completion of these projects, but Umahi assured the press that funding mechanisms and contract transparency frameworks are being put in place to avoid project abandonment.
Conclusion
With over ₦5 trillion in approved funds, Nigeria is on course for a major infrastructure overhaul. However, analysts warn that execution, transparency, and timely disbursement will be the deciding factors in whether these roads truly serve their intended purpose or become another chapter in Nigeria’s long list of incomplete mega projects.
