The Federal government has allocated N217 billion for the emergency repairs of 260 roads in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, with N108.5 billion already disbursed.

During a meeting with all directors of the Ministry in Abuja on Thursday, Minister of Works, David Umahi, revealed this information. Umahi emphasized that the funds released reflect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure investment, underscoring a zero-tolerance policy for excuses to ensure thorough road repairs. Roads set to benefit from the allocated funds include the resurfacing of the Third Mainland Bridge, construction of the Lekki Deep Seaport road, rehabilitation of two collapsed bridges in Enugu, and addressing issues on two segments of the Onitsha-Owerri Road.

Additionally, approved road construction projects encompass the upgrading of the ongoing Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia road and the dualisation of the Lafia by-pass, among other initiatives. In October 2023, the Ministry sought Federal Government approval for urgent rehabilitation and intervention in 260 critically failed road projects nationwide. The government approved it two weeks later.

“The President has approved more than 260 road interventions across the 36 states and the FCT. I’m delighted to inform you that 50% of the palliative works for the year 2023 have been disbursed to the Ministry. The demand was pressing, prompting me to commence work even earlier,” he mentioned.