FEC Approves ₦438bn for Roads

*Analyst: Infrastructure alone cannot solve Nigeria's problems

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a series of measures covering infrastructure, education, military welfare, mental health and public-sector accountability.

Among the major decisions was the approval of about ₦438 billion for road construction and rehabilitation across the country, alongside ₦173 billion in public-private partnership projects targeted at improving major highways and easing transportation challenges.

The approvals come amid persistent concerns over the condition of Nigeria's road network and the impact of poor transportation infrastructure on the movement of people and goods.

Speaking on the issue Nnajioha said the massive road investment could not be described as a waste of resources because Nigeria genuinely needs better roads.

However, he questioned the procurement processes surrounding some major infrastructure projects, insisting that government contracts should follow transparent bidding and due process.

He specifically raised concerns about the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, including questions surrounding environmental assessments, the relocation of critical telecommunications infrastructure and compensation for affected communities.

According to him, good infrastructure projects must still be executed through proper procedures to prevent waste and controversy.

While acknowledging the scale of the government's interventions, Professor Nnajioha argued that the ultimate measure of government performance should be the quality of life of ordinary Nigerians.

He said Nigeria's macroeconomic indicators may show areas of improvement, while millions of citizens continue to struggle with high food prices, unemployment, housing costs, healthcare and education.

He cited the rising prices of basic commodities as evidence of the pressure on households, noting that goods such as bread and cement have become significantly more expensive compared with previous years.

The analyst therefore called for policies that directly address poverty, unemployment and the erosion of household purchasing power, rather than relying predominantly on major infrastructure projects.

He argued that roads, bridges and other infrastructure are important, but must ultimately translate into jobs, affordable transportation, lower production costs and improved living standards.

The FEC decisions therefore represent a broad range of interventions, but the major test, according to analysts, will be whether the approvals are implemented transparently and efficiently and whether Nigerians ultimately feel the impact in their daily lives.