FEC approves N34.5bn airstrip in Benue

The Federal Executive Council (FEC), presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved the construction of an airstrip in Gboko, Benue State, at a cost of N34.5 billion. The council said the project is aimed at strengthening security operations in Benue State and the North Central region by improving access to communities frequently attacked […]

The Federal Executive Council (FEC), presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved the construction of an airstrip in Gboko, Benue State, at a cost of N34.5 billion.
The council said the project is aimed at strengthening security operations in Benue State and the North Central region by improving access to communities frequently attacked by bandits and kidnappers.
Briefing State House correspondents after Monday’s FEC meeting, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the airstrip would provide critical infrastructure to support security agencies in responding swiftly to emergencies in remote areas.
He described Gboko as a strategic location, noting that the absence of an airstrip has hampered the rapid deployment of security personnel and emergency response teams.
He said the approval will enable the ministry to begin work on the project, including the construction of landing and take-off facilities to support military and humanitarian operations.
“The Gboko airstrip will strengthen efforts to tackle insecurity. It will also improve the response of security agencies and emergency medical services across the region, especially in the evacuation and treatment of victims of attacks,” Keyamo said.
N3.933tn approved for road projects
Meanwhile, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, said the council also approved road projects worth N3.933 trillion across the country.
He disclosed that the FEC approved an additional N15 billion for the Yola–Fufore–Gurin Road project in Adamawa State.
Umahi also announced the approval of N15.23 billion for the rehabilitation of the Ibadan end of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, particularly the failed sections, which will be reconstructed using concrete pavement.
He further said the council approved the construction of a section of the Suleja–Minna Road as a dual carriageway by the Dangote Group at a cost of about N810 billion.
The minister added that FEC also approved N2.077 trillion for 23 road projects spread across 10 states, including Adamawa, Abia, Lagos and Kaduna, as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the country’s road infrastructure.