The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N15 billion for the construction of an access road connecting the Benin-Asaba expressway to the Second Niger Bridge.
Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, made the announcement while briefing State House correspondents on the outcome of the council’s meeting, which was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja.
The Minister expressed hope that the road’s completion would contribute to the bridge’s opening on May 29.
“The Minister of Works presented a memo seeking approval for the award of contract for the construction of an access road from the existing Benin-Asaba expressway to approach the link road to Second Niger Bridge in Delta State.
“As you are aware, the government is determined to inaugurate the Second Niger Bridge before the expiration of this administration.
“We can tell you that the bridge itself is substantially concluded, but the contract that was awarded today, although the work has started before now, is actually to connect the Asaba-Benin end to the new bridge.
“The contract was awarded to Julius Berge at a sum of N15 billion. They have started the work but they said it is only proper that they have a contract.
“We can assure you that the road will be finished in good time for us to inaugurate the Second Niger Bridge,” he said.
Mohammed also said the council has approved N16 billion as a variation for the dualisation of the Suleja-Minna road in Niger State.
Power Minister Abubakar Aliyu, who also addressed the correspondents, said the council approved €3.7 million as a contract variation for the Transition Company of Nigeria (TCN).
The minister said the amount was meant for the procurement of some equipment and to complete the construction of two sub-stations that would help boost the electricity supply in the country.
He said: “Today, I presented a memo on behalf of the Transition Company of Nigeria to the council and it approved the variation. “This was due to the escalation of prices for the supply of equipment and the construction of 132 33KV substations at Nnewi and 132 KV line bay extension at Onitsha, both in Anambra State.
“The approved amount for the variation is 3.7 million Euros plus N1.137 billion inclusive of 7.5 percent Value Added Tax, with a completion period of 18 months.”
