The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved major road projects spanning 11 states, with a total value of N3.94 trillion.
The approvals were granted at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.
Briefing State House Correspondents after the meeting, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, said the Council ratified earlier approvals and took fresh decisions on various road projects involving construction, rehabilitation, dualisation, and concession arrangements.
Umahi also drew attention to the deteriorating condition of the completed Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, particularly the Julius Berger-executed section on the Ibadan axis.
“The Ibadan axis is failing very badly. If you go there, it is rotting and folding. It is very dangerous for vehicular movement,” Umahi said.
He added that President Tinubu directed the ministry to follow due process to concession the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway for operation and maintenance, with the failed Ibadan approach to be reconstructed using reinforced concrete technology.
The projects are expected to significantly improve connectivity, boost economic activities, and address critical infrastructure deficits across the benefiting states.
Below is a list of road road projects approved by FEC on Monday:
– 23 road projects across Adamawa, Taraba, Ebonyi, Kwara, Cross River, Kogi, Lagos, Niger, Oyo, and Plateau states – N2.078 trillion.
– 409 km dual carriageway project in Niger State (Dangote Group, reinforced concrete, tax credit scheme) — N1.8325 trillion.
– 32.2 km road project in Gashua, Yobe State (augmentation) — N15 billion.
– Second phase of Yola-Fufore-Gurin Road (additional 20 km), Adamawa State — N15.246 billion.
– Lagos-Ibadan Expressway (operation & maintenance concession + reconstruction of failed Ibadan approach with reinforced concrete).
Ahead of the 2026/2027 NNL season, teams have intensified preparations with the recruitments of new players and officials, as well as, engaging in trial games.
Lagos based NNL side Smart City Football Club, are leaving no stones unturned as it has doubled up its preparations to ensure it gets the much desired ticket to the topmost cadre of Nigerian football, Nigeria Premier Football League.
Speaking exclusively with Sports Chronicle Magazine, Abiodun Obafemi, who is the sporting director of Smart City FC, disclosed that the team is well prepared and better motivated ahead of the season’s task.
“We’re presently done with recruitments, we rounded up everything last week. So, we’re basically in the last phase of our preparations, with grade A friendly games lined up,” he disclosed.
Speaking on the targets of the management, Abiodun Obafemi, MON and a 1996 Olympic games gold medalist, said, “the target of all, including coaches, players and the leadership of team, of course, is to pick the sole NPFL ticket in our group.”
“We don’t just want to talk the talk, we want to do it this time around to make amend for the near misses of the last two seasons,” the former Super Eagles and Stationery Stores defender was full of praises for the management of the team for its commitment to the welfare and improvement of the team, ahead of the new football league season.
“In terms of motivation, the management has usual, has done their bit. And I can say that no Smart City player or official is being own a dime.
“Muchmore, there has been additional provisions of quality training materials, as well as, world class and modern football equipment,” he remarked gleefully.
“In my roles as a senior executive of the club, I remain committed to the development of the club, as well as, ensuring that all the units of the team, functions at their best to meet our seasonal goals. And our main objective this season, is promotion to the NPFL, which is long overdue,” he added.
Smart City FC have been placed in group B, and are expected to competed for the sole ticket to the NPFL, against other teams in the group, including, Beyond Limits FC, Ekiti United, Solution FC, Akwa United, Dokkal Khairu, Abakaliki FC, Bayelsa United and Right2Win FC.
Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc alhas received its RecapitalisationCertificate from the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), marking a significant milestone in the Company’s ongoing growth and transformation journey.
The certificate, issued following the Company’s successful compliance with the recapitalisation requirements of the National Insurance Commission, further reinforces Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc’s financial capacity, operational resilience and commitment to delivering sustainable value to its policyholders and other stakeholders.
Speaking on the development, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Dr. Lucas Durojaiye, expressed delight at the milestone, describing it as a testament to the Company’s resilience, strategic focus and the confidence of its stakeholders.
“The receipt of our recapitalisation certificate from NAICOM is a significant milestone for Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc. It reflects the strength of our business, the confidence of our shareholders and the dedication of our Board and employees to building a stronger and more resilient insurance institution.
“This achievement positions us for the next phase of our growth journey. We remain committed to strengthening our capacity to underwrite risks, deepening our market presence, enhancing our service delivery and creating greater value for our policyholders and stakeholders.
The recapitalisation milestone also underscores STI’s commitment to supporting the development of Nigeria’s insurance industry by maintaining strong corporate governance, improving operational efficiency and providing innovative insurance solutions that respond to the evolving needs of individuals, businesses and institutions.
With the certification, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc is poised to further leverage its strengthened capital base to pursue strategic growth opportunities, enhance its underwriting capacity and reinforce its position as a trusted partner in risk management.
The Company appreciates its shareholders, Board of Directors, management, staff, regulators, business partners, brokers, agents, customers and other stakeholders for their continued confidence and support throughout the recapitalization process.