FEC okays N74.8b projects for Works, Education

The sum of N74.8 billion has been approved by the Federal Executive Council for projects in the Works and House as well as Education ministries.

According to the Minister of State for Works and Housing, Abubakar Aliyu, some contracts totaling N65.9 billion for the construction of roads and bridges in Taraba, Kogi, Oyo, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states were approved.

“FEC approved the award of contract for the construction of Jalingo-Karim-Lao-Padang-Lamido road Phase II, which is about 28 kilometres in Taraba State at the cost N6,916,180,860,32, inclusive of VAT. This is Phase II of the project. Phase I was completed earlier.

“Council also approved a second memorandum with three projects at the total cost of N58,938,111,892.28

“The first project is the dualisation of the outstanding portion of Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Road in Cross River/Akwa Ibom states at the cost of N50,527,447,708.82 with a completion period of 36 months.

“The second project is the rehabilitation of a bridge in Ajaokuta (Kogi State). The bridge, which showed an opening at the expansion joint, raised public concern. Work has begun but the contract was approved today at the cost of N1,534,677,588.25. The expansion joint of a bridge is meant to be maintained from time to time.

“The third project is the rehabilitation of the outstanding section of Iseyin-Okeho road, including two bridges in Oyo State, at the cost N6,875,987,097.21 with a completion period of 18 months,” Aliyu said.

Minister for Education Adamu Adam who was also present to give an account of his ministry said three memoranda were presented to the meeting, all of which were approved.

According to him, the contracts, spanning reading materials for primary schools, the building of perimeter fence around the University of Maiduguri and installation of security equipment on the fence, were put at N8.9 billion.

“The council approved the procurement of text books for early childhood care and development for primary schools for classes 1-3 across the country. Fifteen contractors won the contract at N6,437,501,430 with a completion period of six weeks.

“Council also approved 23.7 kilometres perimeter fence around the University of Maiduguri at the cost of N1,398,350,004.27 with a completion period of four weeks.

“It also approved the procurement and installation of security equipment around the fence at the University of Maiduguri. The amount of the contract is N1,088,646,602.28 at the completion period of 24 weeks,” he said.