The Federal Executive Council (FEC) held a meeting to address critical issues facing the country, including the aftermath of flooding that ravaged Maiduguri, Borno State, destroying nearly 50% of the city.
The Council endorsed President Tinubu’s proposal to establish a Disaster Relief Fund, which will be partly funded by the Federation Account, with additional contributions from the private sector.
In response to the flooding crisis, FEC also resolved to form a technical committee to conduct integrity tests on the Alau Dam and other dams nationwide, ensuring their structural safety.
On the economic front, the Council approved the Economic Stabilisation Bills, which reflect recommendations from the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reforms. These bills seek to amend tax laws, promote exports, reform the exchange rate regime, and boost foreign exchange liquidity. Key provisions include tax reliefs for companies creating jobs and personal income tax relief for workers earning between ₦200,000 and ₦400,000. The bills also advocate suspending certain taxes on small businesses, such as road haulage levies, livestock taxes, and market levies. The bills will now be forwarded to the National Assembly for consideration.
FEC also greenlit major infrastructure projects, including the award of a ₦280 billion contract for the Bodo-Bonny Road with bridges over the Opobo Channel in Rivers State, revised from its initial cost of ₦120 billion. The Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano dual carriageway rehabilitation project was rescaled to a reduced cost of ₦740.79 billion, with the addition of solar lights.
Other notable approvals include:
- A 258 km, 3-lane carriageway in Kebbi and Sokoto states, part of the superhighway linking Illela, Sokoto, to Badagry, Lagos State.
- A contract worth ₦133.4 billion awarded to CCECC Nigeria Limited for road projects in Kogi and Cross River States.
- A ₦3.2 billion contract to repair Gamboru Bridge in Borno State.
- ₦42 billion for the rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge and Adeniji-Falomo roads in Lagos.
FEC also approved a ₦158 billion contract for service lanes to the Lekki Deep Sea Port and the dualisation of the Afikpo-Uturu-Okigwe Road in Ebonyi, Abia, and Imo states. Contracts for the repair of 14 bridges and federal highways affected by flooding were also approved.
The FCT Ministry secured approval for several projects, including building Judges Quarters in Katampe and access roads in various districts and satellite towns.
Additionally, the Ministry of Information and National Orientation presented memos aimed at restoring the dignity of national symbols. Notably, the Council approved the adoption of the third stanza of the National Anthem as the official National Prayer and standardized the use of the anthem at public events.
These wide-ranging decisions underscore the government’s commitment to addressing infrastructure needs, disaster preparedness, and economic reforms.
