Happening! FEC Approves N158 Billion Contract with Dangote for Construction of Service Lanes Connecting Lekki Port to Shagamu-Benin Expressway: A Solution Amid Road Failures

 

In a significant move toward improving Nigeria's road infrastructure, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a N158 billion contract for Dangote Industries to construct service lanes linking the Lekki Deep Sea Port to the Shagamu-Benin Expressway, via Epe. This project, part of the Federal Government’s Road Infrastructure Development Fund and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, comes at a critical time when road failures have been disrupting transportation along this key route.

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Addressing Urgent Infrastructure Needs

The timing of this contract underscores the growing urgency for infrastructural upgrades, especially following recent road failures on the Benin-Sagamu Expressway. The Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has been working to address these issues, with Mr. Muktar Abdulrahim, the Federal Roads Maintenance Engineer in Edo, explaining that blocked water channels have been a primary cause of the road deterioration. Water accumulation, particularly near bridges, has accelerated road damage.

To counter this, FERMA has been focused on de-silting existing drains, unblocking weep holes at the Ovia Bridge, and constructing additional water channels to prevent pooling. Yet, despite these ongoing efforts, several sections, including the Isoko Camp Bridge deck and parts near Okada, remain severely impacted, with some areas rendered impassable. FERMA’s work on the Isoko Camp Bridge has rectified the immediate failure, but the bridge deck remains closed as the concrete cures.

 

Dangote’s Role in Long-Term Solutions

While FERMA addresses short-term issues, the newly approved N158 billion contract awarded to Dangote Industries represents a more comprehensive, long-term solution to the region’s infrastructure challenges. The project aims to construct service lanes that will facilitate the movement of goods from the Lekki Deep Sea Port, passing through Epe and connecting to the Shagamu-Benin Expressway.

This project is critical for Nigeria's economy, as the Lekki Deep Sea Port is poised to become the largest in West Africa, increasing trade volumes and driving economic growth. However, the port’s success hinges on reliable road connectivity. The development of service lanes through this major artery will not only ease transportation but also reduce traffic congestion and support regional economic development, especially around the Epe corridor.

A Holistic Approach to Infrastructure

The collaboration between FERMA’s emergency repairs and Dangote’s large-scale infrastructure development reflects a holistic approach to addressing Nigeria’s road challenges. The involvement of Dangote Industries, a major player in Nigeria's industrial landscape, reinforces the government's commitment to leveraging public-private partnerships to tackle the country’s infrastructure deficit. The project will also include measures to prevent future road failures by focusing on key issues like drainage and long-term maintenance.

This development comes amid heightened scrutiny from the Edo House of Assembly, which had previously summoned FERMA officials to account for the deteriorating condition of federal roads. Their efforts, combined with this new project, signal a coordinated strategy to improve Nigeria's road network and address the root causes of persistent road failures.

A Path to Economic Growth

The linkage between the Lekki Deep Sea Port and the Shagamu-Benin Expressway will have far-reaching economic implications. The improved connectivity will enhance the efficiency of logistics, reduce transportation costs, and promote investment in the region. The construction of durable, well-maintained roads is expected to alleviate the traffic issues that have plagued the expressway, improve safety, and create new job opportunities.

The N158 billion contract is not just a road construction project—it represents a strategic commitment to building resilient infrastructure that will support Nigeria's long-term economic ambitions. By addressing the underlying causes of road failures and facilitating efficient transportation networks, this project will play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s journey toward economic progress and infrastructure stability.