Abuja (WorldStage Newsonline)-- Nigerian government has approved the sum of N47.8 billion for the construction of 13 roads and rehabilitation of federal roads that cut across the six geopolitical zones of the country .
Another N3.6 billion has been approved for the acquisition of Multi user license and multi spectral satellite map imagery equipment for the country.
The decision was reached at the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja.
The Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen who spoke at the end of the meeting explained that the contractors had already mobilized to sight just as he indicated that most of the jobs had reached up to one to seven percent completion as most of the contracts were flagged off early this year.
According to Onolememen, "The council approved the ratification of the president's anticipatory approval for the award of contracts for the construction/rehabilitation of 13 roads nationwide.
"This followed a memorandum submitted by the the Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, sought the council's ratification of the president's anticipatory approval for the contract awards worth N47,813,407,007:35."
He explained that the contracts were in two categories, saying "The contracts, which are in two categories include contract for the rehabilitation of Vandeikia-Obudu-Obodu Cattle Ranch road phase 1in Benue State in favour of Messrs CCECC (Nigeria Limited) in the sum of N3,296,177,230.50 with a completion period of 12 months.
"Construction of Mbaise-Ngwa road in Imo/Abia States with bridges at Imo River phase 1 in favour of Messrs Mangroveech & Engineering (Nigeria) Limited in the sum of N2,943,534,543.18 with a completion period of 30 months.
"Construction of Abriba-Arochukwu-Ohafia road in Abia State phase 1 in favour Messrs Beks Kimse (Nigeria) Limited in the sum of N2,265,982,372.50 with a completion period of 24 months.
"Also awarded was the contract for the rehabilitation of of Makurdi-Gboko road phae1; Wannune-Yandev section in Benue State in favour of Messrs Jam Services Construction Limited in the sum of N3,297,761,006.93 with a completion period of 24 months.
"Contract for the construction of Ohafia Abia State-Oso Ebonyi State road in favour of Messrs Uniglobe Construction Engineering Limited in the sum of N2,293,965,030.00 with a completion period of 18 months.
"Contract for the rehabilitation of Section 1A of Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Kontagora road phase 1 in Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger States in favour of Messrs Triacta (Nigeria) Limited in the sum of NN10,559,745,000.00 with a completion period of 48 months.
"The last contract awarded under category B was for the reconstruction of Section 1 of Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Kontagora-Makera phase 1 road in favour of Messrs China Railway Construction Comapny (Nigeria) Limited in the sum of N8,968,809,507.63 with a completion period of 24 months.”
Further, in the case of category C, he explained that it involves "Rehabilitation of Kunya-Kanya-Babura-Babban Mutum road phase 1 in Jigawa state, in the sum of N3,792,451,838.18, with completion period of 18 months.
"Construction of Zing-Yakoko-Monkin road in Taraba state, in the sum of N1,043,029,772.40, with completion period of 12 months; Rehabilitation of Alkeleri-Bauchi road in Bauchi state, in the sum of N1,215,539,325.00, with completion period of 12 months.
"Construction of Aguoba-Owa-Mgbagbu Owa-Ebenebe (ANAMBRA) state border) with spur to Awaha-Oyofo-Iwollow road in Enugu state, in the sum of N3,035,439,907.50, with completion period of 18 months; Construction of Offa by-pass in Kwara state, in the sum of N1,319,983,348.53, with a completion period of 12 months.
"Construction of Ikot Ekpene border-Aba-Owerri dualisation Section1, phase 1 in Akwa Ibom/Abia/Imo states, in the sum of N3,780,988,135.00, with a completion period of 30 months."
He explained that the roads are critical and has economic importance, saying when completed, these roads will boost commercial activities within their immediate environments.
