The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing has sought and received approval for the augmentation of two existing contracts for road construction. The Ikorodu-Shagamu road will be augmented at a cost of 6.972 billion naira, while the Potiskum to Damaturu section of the Kano to Maiduguri road will be augmented with 2.577 million naira. The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, announced these approvals, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving the country’s infrastructure.
In addition to the augmentation of the existing road contracts, the council has also approved the construction and rehabilitation of 11 federal roads across the country. These roads, totalling 737 kilometres in length, will be constructed under the NNPC Ltd intervention arrangement. The government’s approval of these projects is a testament to its unwavering dedication to improving the country’s transportation infrastructure.
Moreover, the education sector has also been a focus of the government’s efforts. The council has approved the award for a befitting senate building for the Federal University of Health and Medical Sciences, Ila Orangun, Osun state. This project, which will cost N2.157 billion, will be funded by an allocation from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND). This development will significantly enhance the university’s infrastructure, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of medical research and education in the country.
The government has also approved the purchase of 13 ambulances for selected federal unity colleges at a cost of N620 million naira. This is part of the second phase of a similar intervention, which aims to improve the healthcare infrastructure in the country’s educational institutions. These ambulances will provide critical support to students and staff in the event of a medical emergency.
Additionally, the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clement Agba, announced that his ministry received approval for the purchase of one aircraft for the Nigerian Customs. This aircraft, which will cost #3.447 billion, will be an addition to the current fleet and will provide more assistance in the area of surveillance and security.
In the realm of labour laws, the government is taking significant steps towards ensuring that the nation’s labour laws are in line with international labour standards. The Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige, hinted that a bill on the amendment of the nation’s labour laws will soon be sent to the National Assembly.