NATIONAL: FG approves N9.4bn for road, power, other projects

THE Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a total of N9.4 billion for a projects in different sectors of the country.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo, at the end of the meeting on Wednesday, which was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House in Abuja,

The National Quality Policy was also approved, which, according to the Minister Niyi, will establish quality testing centers and laboratories in the country to reinforce quality in exported goods.

 “This policy will create a situation whereby the government and the private sector will be able to collaborate to set up quality testing centres, testing labs which we hope will have accreditation with international centres, such that any good that has approved to have met the standard, would be of international standard,” he said.

The sum of N1.14 billion was approved for the award of contract for the installation of solar street lighting for the Karshi-Jikwoyi dual carriage road in Abuja, the nation’s capital, Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed also announced after the meeting.

The information minister said the contract was awarded to Messrs Bassman Nigeria Limited, and expected to be completed within a period of six months.

“This is a 20-kilometre street lighting project and the area hosts some very strategic institutions such as the Treasury Academy, the new Correctional Center which is under construction and it also houses the Federal Science College, the Armed Forces Post Service Housing Scheme in addition to Police Housing Scheme among others.

“Apart from beautifying the area, it also provides better security for the area. It means the SDG goal number 11 will be met and at the same time the global energy policy,” he said.

The Minister of State for Power, Godwin Jedy-Agba, stated that the FEC also approved a 124.3 million variation of contract for the construction of sub-station project in Lanlate, Oyo State, and Abeokuta, Ogun State.

This, according to him, implies that the national metering programme directive by the President, will be completed soon, which would improve services on the long-run.