FEC approves N99 billion contracts for Niger-Delta

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved contracts for 28 infrastructural development projects for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in nine oil producing states in the Niger Delta region.

The projects which will cover roads, bridges, land reclamation, erosion problems as well as power supply and education will cost about N98.589 billion and they are to be implemented between now and 2014.

Briefing State House correspondents after the meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Information; Mr Labaran Maku said that the contracts are in view of the government’s commitment and determination to create a conducive environment for sustainable development of the region.




NECO’s reader scanners for N1.99 billion

As part of efforts to improve the quality and efficiency in the conduct of examinations, FEC also approved 80 image mark reader scanners which will be used to mark the various examinations conducted by the National Examination Council (NECO) in the country.

The Minister of Education, Professor Ruqayyat Rufai said the scanner’s technology will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the operations of the examination body because it can mark 7,200 multiple choice questions scripts per hour.

The scanner machines approved for the NECO will cost N1.99 billion.

Also approved is the execution of the Zungeru Hydro Power Project in Niger state which will provide 700 MW of electricity. The project is to be funded by the China EXIM Bank to the tune of N162.9 billion.

FEC also approved that Nigeria should pay its counterpart funding of $3 million for the supply of family planning as well as infant/maternal drugs and materials from donor agencies.

The President is a co-chair of the United Nations Commission for life-saving commodities for women and children.

The road sector received approvals for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of five major road networks across the country as the dry season sets in.

The roads approved for immediate execution include the Wude-Utai-Achika-Dake-Jigawa road, Kontagora-Rijau-Tunga-Mangaja road in Niger state and the Nenwe-Uduma –Uburu road in Ebonyi/Enugu state.

Others are the Auchi-Ekperi-Afuda-Usugani road in Edo state and the Funtua-Gusua-Sokoto road.

According to the Minister of Works, the roads are of great economic importance to the country.