FEC approves 15 billion naira for road linking 2nd Niger Bridge, 3.7 million for electricity
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N15 billion for the construction of an access road linking the Benin-Asaba highway to the second Niger bridge.
Information and Culture Minister Lai Mohammed revealed this when he briefed State House correspondents on the outcome of the council meeting chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday in Abuja.
He expressed hope that the completion of the road would help fulfill the dream of opening the bridge before May 29.
"The Minister of Public Works presented a note seeking approval for the award of a contract for the construction of an access road from the existing Benin-Asaba highway to approach the road to connection to the second Niger bridge in the Delta.
"As you know, 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 mostly complete, but the contract that was awarded today, although work started before today, is actually to connect the Asaba- Benin to the new bridge.
"The contract was awarded to Julius Berge for N15 billion. They started the works but they said it was normal that they had a contract.
“We can assure you that the road will be completed in time for us to inaugurate the 2nd Niger Bridge,” he said.
Mr. Mohammed also disclosed that the council had approved 16 billion naira as variation for the dualisation of the Suleja-Minna road in Niger.
Energy Minister Abubakar Aliyu, who also spoke to correspondents, revealed that the board had approved 3.7 million euros as a contract amendment for the Transmission Company of Nigeria.< /p>
He said the amount was intended for the purchase of some equipment and the completion of the construction of two substations that would help boost the country's electricity supply
Mr. Aliyu said, "Today I presented a memorandum on behalf of the Transmission Company of Nigeria to the Board and it approved the amendment.
"This was due to escalating prices for the supply of equipment and the construction of 132 33 KV substations at Nnewi and a 132 KV line bay extension at Onitsha, both at Anambra.
"The approved amount for the variation is €3.7 million plus N1.137 billion including 7.5% Value Added Tax, with an execution period of 18 months."
p>The Minister revealed that the contracts had started in 2006 but had been abandoned due to lack of budgetary appropriations.
(NAN)
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The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N15 billion for the construction of an access road linking the Benin-Asaba highway to the second Niger bridge.
Information and Culture Minister Lai Mohammed revealed this when he briefed State House correspondents on the outcome of the council meeting chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday in Abuja.
He expressed hope that the completion of the road would help fulfill the dream of opening the bridge before May 29.
"The Minister of Public Works presented a note seeking approval for the award of a contract for the construction of an access road from the existing Benin-Asaba highway to approach the road to connection to the second Niger bridge in the Delta.
"As you know, 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 mostly complete, but the contract that was awarded today, although work started before today, is actually to connect the Asaba- Benin to the new bridge.
"The contract was awarded to Julius Berge for N15 billion. They started the works but they said it was normal that they had a contract.
“We can assure you that the road will be completed in time for us to inaugurate the 2nd Niger Bridge,” he said.
Mr. Mohammed also disclosed that the council had approved 16 billion naira as variation for the dualisation of the Suleja-Minna road in Niger.
Energy Minister Abubakar Aliyu, who also spoke to correspondents, revealed that the board had approved 3.7 million euros as a contract amendment for the Transmission Company of Nigeria.< /p>
He said the amount was intended for the purchase of some equipment and the completion of the construction of two substations that would help boost the country's electricity supply
Mr. Aliyu said, "Today I presented a memorandum on behalf of the Transmission Company of Nigeria to the Board and it approved the amendment.
"This was due to escalating prices for the supply of equipment and the construction of 132 33 KV substations at Nnewi and a 132 KV line bay extension at Onitsha, both at Anambra.
"The approved amount for the variation is €3.7 million plus N1.137 billion including 7.5% Value Added Tax, with an execution period of 18 months."
p>The Minister revealed that the contracts had started in 2006 but had been abandoned due to lack of budgetary appropriations.
(NAN)
Support the integrity and credibility journalism of PREMIUM TIMES Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy and a transparent government. For free and continued access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider providing modest support to this noble endeavour. By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you help sustain relevant journalism and keep it free and accessible to everyone.
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