Federal Executive Council (FEC), chaired by President Bola Tinubu, has approved contracts totaling over ₦1 trillion to bolster electricity supply in universities and hospitals and upgrade aviation infrastructure nationwide, as announced following Thursday’s FEC meeting at the State House, Abuja.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, revealed that ₦68.7 billion was approved for electricity projects targeting universities and teaching hospitals to ensure reliable power for critical sectors like health and education.
“This initiative aims to ease the energy cost burden on universities and hospitals by providing reliable, good-quality electricity,” Adelabu stated, noting the “disturbing” power shortages that have led to crises and occasional industrial actions in these institutions.
The projects, managed under the Rural Electrification Agency’s Energising Education Programme, involve engineering, procurement, and construction. Beneficiaries include the University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Ibadan with its University College Hospital, University of Calabar, and Federal University, Wukari.
These initiatives, expected to be completed within seven to nine months, follow successful solar-powered projects at institutions like the University of Abuja and Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. Additionally, ₦68.7 billion will fund solar-powered agricultural centers in rural areas to support agro-processing businesses, delivering “solar-powered processing tools to small and micro enterprises in underserved communities,” Adelabu explained.
Concurrently, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the approval of ₦987 billion for aviation infrastructure upgrades, funded through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund.
The centerpiece is the complete overhaul of International Terminal One at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, costing ₦712.26 billion and slated for completion in 22 months. “The terminal will be stripped down to its structural frame and rebuilt to meet international standards,” Keyamo said, with the project awarded to CCECC, the firm behind Terminal Two’s construction.
Terminal Two will also see expansions, including a new apron, access roads, and bridges. Additional upgrades include a ₦46.39 billion rehabilitation of runways and taxiways at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, with airfield lighting upgraded to Category 2 standards to enhance safety during hazy weather, expected to be completed in 24 weeks.
A ₦50 billion, 14.6 km perimeter fence with CCTV, solar floodlights, and intrusion detection systems was approved for Lagos airport, set for completion in 24 months.
Port Harcourt International Airport will receive ₦42.14 billion for runway and taxiway rehabilitation, also upgrading to Category 2 lighting standards. Furthermore, a 30-year concession for Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu was approved, marking a significant step toward modernizing Nigeria’s aviation sector.
These combined efforts underscore the government’s commitment to enhancing critical infrastructure, ensuring reliable power for education and healthcare, and elevating aviation safety and efficiency nationwide. (NAN)
