News / Transportation

FG approves additional N16b to complete Kano-Katsina Expressway

The Federal Executive Council on Wednesday approved an augmentation of N16 billion for the completion of the dualization of the Kano-Katsina Expressway.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, made this known on Wednesday after the FEC meeting.

He spoke while briefing newsmen at the end of the Council’s meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Mohammed said: “A memo that sought the Council’s approval for the revised total cost of contract for the dualization of the Kano-Katsina Expressway was approved.

“The contract on the 78km road was actually awarded sometime in 2019.

“The contractor, having done appreciable work asked us for a review of the Bill of Quantity of engineering work.

“The contract deal was augmented with the sum of N16 billion, thereby revising the subsisting contract from N29 billion to N46 billion.”

The Minister also told newsmen that more than N800 million was approved for the procurement of 32 operational vehicles for the NDLEA.

Mohammed added: “The Council approved that the NDLEA buys 32 operational vehicles to enhance its operations.

“I am sure we have all noticed that there has been an improved performance on the part of the NDLEA in the last couple of months.

“Resulting from this enhanced performance, there has been the need for more operational vehicles.

“The good thing about the request is that all the operational vehicles are being bought from local vehicle assembly plants.

“The total cost is N821.7 million.”

On his part, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite, told newsmen that the Council approved a Nigeria Mining Chain Revolution Policy.

He explained that the policy would reduce the exportation of raw ore so that Nigeria could benefit more from its value chain.

Adegbite said: “The ministry was able to pass a memo in Council.

“It is essentially on a policy drive initiated by this administration and that is what we call Downstream Policy.

“Essentially, it’s to prevent us from exporting raw ore from Nigeria so that we can have some benefits before minerals are exported.

“Essentially, the …

News / Transportation

FRSC cautions as eight months repair works begin on Otedola Bridge

The Federal Road Safety Corps has urged motorists to exercise caution on Otedola Bridge axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway due to palliative work currently embarked on by Julius Berger plc.

Ahmed Umar, the FRSC Ogun Sector Commander, disclosed this in a statement in Abeokuta on Wednesday.

Umar said the diversion from the Otedola Bridge affected traffic situation along the axis, which would last between six months and eight months.

He said: “Therefore, motorists traveling during this period of road rehabilitation are advised to be extra careful and ensure their journeys are properly planned with enough time. “They should pay special attention to construction areas where overtaking is prohibited and maximum speed is pegged at 50km per hour, especially at construction zones where traffic is diverted.

FRSC personnel would be deployed to strategic areas to ease traffic flow and ensure prompt removal of obstruction on the road.”

The Sector Commander advised motorists to drive cautiously, avoid route violation, lane discipline, obey traffic rules and regulations and also cooperate with traffic managers to ensure free flow of traffic.

“In case of a road traffic crash and obstruction, the FRSC could be reached on the FRSC toll free number 122,” he added.…

News / Transportation

Bridge construction: Lagos announces one-year traffic diversion

The Lagos State Government has said that it would divert traffic at Iyana-Era Road for rehabilitation and construction of a 20metre bridge from September 24 for one year.

The state Ministry of Transportation said in a statement that the road work would commence midnight of September 24 for a duration of 12 months.

Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, Commissioner for Transportation, explained in the statement that the construction was pertinent to address the factors responsible for the rapid and frequent deterioration of the section of the road.

Oladeinde said the portions before and after the existent culverts submerged into the surrounding swamp, hence the need for a bridge. The Commissioner further explained that motorists heading towards Shibiri, Ajangbadi and Igbogbo axis would be diverted at Era-Adaloko Roundabout into a contra flow on the Badagry bound lane to minimise the inconveniences during the course of the repairs.

Oladeinde further stated that the state’s Traffic Management Agency would be fully on ground to direct traffic in addition to traffic guides, which will be strategically placed to guide vehicular movement during the stipulated period.

The state government, while seeking residents’ cooperation for the successful commencement and completion of the project, reiterated its continuous commitment towards the development of transport infrastructure across the metropolis.

Oladeinde maintained that it was vital for the Multi-Modal Transportation System of the state government, which would turnout to boost the economic prowess of the citizenry.…