June 29 (THEWILL) — The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved 23 major road infrastructure projects worth approximately ₦2.078 trillion across 10 states, alongside a historic overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) that will see the scheme transition to civilian operational leadership for the first time in its 53-year history.
The far-reaching decisions were taken at Monday’s FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, as part of the administration’s drive to modernise critical infrastructure, reform key national institutions and stimulate economic growth.
Briefing State House Correspondents after the meeting, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, said the approved road projects span Adamawa, Taraba, Ebonyi, Kwara, Cross River, Kogi, Lagos, Niger, Oyo, and Plateau states.
According to him, the projects are designed to improve connectivity across the country, ease the movement of goods and people, reduce travel time, and support economic development.
“FEC approved a total of 23 projects in 10 states of the federation,” Umahi said, adding that the projects involve the construction and rehabilitation of strategic federal road corridors.
The council also ratified a presidential approval for a ₦15 billion augmentation of an ongoing road project in Gashua, Yobe State, originally awarded in 2022, following the sharp increase in the cost of construction materials.
“The project was awarded in 2022. ₦15 billion is being used to review it because of the price increase in construction materials,” the minister explained.
Among the approvals is ₦15.246 billion for the execution of the second phase of the Yola–Fufore–Gurin Road project in Adamawa State, following the completion of the first phase.
Umahi further disclosed that the FEC approved the Full Business Case for the operation and maintenance of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway under the modified Swiss Challenge procurement framework.
He said Tinubu had directed the Ministry of Works to commence due process for the reconstruction of deteriorating sections of the expressway using concrete pavement technology to improve durability and enhance road safety.
“Mr President directed that we should use due process to procure the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to the new concrete technology,” he said.
In another major approval, the council cleared the reconstruction of about 400.9 kilometres of federal highways under the Tax Credit Scheme to be executed by the Dangote Group for ₦1.8325 trillion.
Umahi noted that the project replaces an earlier contract awarded in 2022 and is expected to accelerate the delivery of critical road infrastructure while improving safety on the affected corridors.
Providing updates on ongoing projects, the minister said the first 118-kilometre section of the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Highway, valued at ₦137 billion, has been completed, while work on the remaining 164-kilometre section is progressing and expected to be completed in November.
“The last section… is on the way and will be completed in November,” he stated.
Beyond infrastructure, the council approved the most comprehensive reform of the NYSC since the scheme was established in 1973.
As part of the reform, FEC directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth to amend the NYSC Act and its regulations to reflect all the approved changes and provide the legal framework for immediate implementation.
A key feature of the reform is the transfer of the scheme’s operational leadership from the military to a civilian administrator, while the Armed Forces will continue to provide security for corps members nationwide.
The Federal Government said the restructuring is intended to reposition the NYSC as a skills-oriented, productivity-driven, and youth-empowerment institution capable of supporting the Tinubu administration’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.
Established by Decree No. 24 of May 22, 1973, in the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War, the NYSC was created to foster national unity, reconciliation, and integration among Nigerian youths through compulsory one-year national service.
The scheme is currently headed by Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu.
Also on Monday, the council approved ₦34.398 billion for the construction of an airstrip in Gboko, Benue State.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the contract was awarded to CCECC Nigeria Limited.
“It was awarded in favour of Messrs CCECC Limited for ₦34.398 billion,” Keyamo said.
He explained that the airstrip would serve as a strategic hub for agricultural activities, strengthen security operations, and support humanitarian and emergency medical services in Benue State and adjoining areas.
“It is also a base for humanitarian activities and humanitarian medical services. That’s why we thought it was important to put an airstrip there,” the minister added.
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