The Federal Executive Council (FEC) took significant steps towards addressing national challenges, approving several measures on disaster relief, infrastructure development, economic reform, and the standardisation of national symbols.
The meeting began by addressing the devastating floods that recently ravaged Maiduguri, Borno State, destroying nearly 50% of the city. In response, the Council backed President Tinubu’s proposal to establish a Disaster Relief Fund. This fund will be sourced from a portion of the Federation Account revenues, with additional contributions solicited from the private sector.
A technical committee will be set up to conduct integrity tests on Alau Dam in Maiduguri and other dams across the country, a preventive measure to avoid future disasters.
The FEC also approved the Economic Stabilisation Bills, designed to boost the economy through tax reforms and foreign exchange liquidity measures. The bills, drafted based on recommendations from the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reforms, aim to amend income tax laws and support small businesses by suspending certain taxes. Among the reliefs provided, companies generating new employment will benefit from tax breaks, and personal income tax relief for workers will be raised from N200,000 to N400,000. The bills will now be forwarded to the National Assembly for consideration.
Key infrastructure projects received substantial attention, with approvals granted for various road contracts across the country. Notably, a 258 km superhighway linking Illela in Sokoto State to Badagry in Lagos State will be constructed, beginning with a three-lane carriageway from Silame in Sokoto to Buya Town in Kebbi. The project aligns with the government’s push for improved transportation networks.
The Bodo-Bonny Road project in Rivers State also received a revised cost increase to N280 billion and a 12-month extension. Meanwhile, the contract to rehabilitate the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano dual carriageway was revised downward to N740.79 billion, with an additional provision for solar lighting.
Other major road contracts awarded include; Construction of Cross River to Oferekpe Road and rehabilitation of Kabba (Kogi State) to Ado Ekiti Road for N133.4 billion by Messrs CCECC Nigeria Limited, repair of Gamboru Bridge in Borno State for N3.2 billion, Maintenance of the Third Mainland Bridge and Adeniji-Falomo Roads in Lagos for N42 billion. A contract for service lanes at Lekki Deep Sea Port connecting Epe to the Shagamu-Benin Expressway for N158 billion, was awarded to Dangote Industries.
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In a move to restore national pride, the FEC approved a memo presented by the Ministry of Information and National Orientation to standardise national symbols, including the national flag, coat of arms, national anthem, and national pledge. The Council mandated that the first stanza of the National Anthem be rendered at all official functions, reserving the full three stanzas for special occasions such as Independence Day and Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
A significant update to national protocols came with the adoption of the third stanza of the National Anthem as the official National Prayer, replacing the current version.
Additionally, the FCT Ministry presented seven memos, including contracts to improve infrastructure in satellite towns and the construction of Judges Quarters in Katampe District. Roads in Pai-Gomani in Kwali, Aguma Palace in Gwagwalada, and Bwari Area Council will also undergo upgrades.
