FEC backs N34.5bn Benue airstrip, major highways overhaul in fresh counter-banditry push

​The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday approved N34.5 billion for the construction of an airstrip in Gboko, a remote community in Benue State. The strategic intervention aims to combat ongoing banditry and kidnapping within the region.

​Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, disclosed this to State House correspondents following the second cabinet meeting of the year, which was presided over by President Bola Tinubu.

​Keyamo explained that the development will provide vital infrastructure for security operatives, granting them rapid access to vulnerable communities that frequently endure attacks. He emphasised that while Gboko remains a highly critical zone, the absence of aviation facilities has consistently hindered emergency response and military rescue efforts.

​Ministry moves to deploy military aviation facilities
​Following the approval, the aviation ministry will immediately begin setting up landing and take-off facilities to reinforce military operations across the zone. The infrastructure is expected to drastically reduce response times during security breaches.

​Detailing the tactical advantages of the project, Keyamo stated:

​” With the approvals,  Gboko airstrip will help in enhancing our efforts to tackle  insecurity and help  agencies and medical emergency services for the entire region faster and better, especially in evacuating and treatments of victims when they occur”.

​Works ministry secures N3.9trn for national road projects
​In a related development, Dave Umahi, Minister of Works, announced that the council approved a total of N3.933 trillion for various federal road projects across Nigeria. The approvals include an additional N15 billion for the Yola–Fufore–Gurin roads.

​Furthermore, the FEC approved a N15.23 billion contract for the maintenance of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. The section at the Ibadan end, which is currently failing, will be completely reconstructed using concrete to ensure long-term durability.

​According to Umahi, the council also approved the construction of a dual carriageway on a section of the Suleja–Minna road. The project will be executed by the Dangote Group under the tax credit scheme at a cost of approximately N810 billion.

​Additionally, the minister announced the allocation of N2.077 trillion for 23 road projects spanning 10 states, including Adamawa, Abia, Lagos, and Kaduna.