The Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, held on Monday, September 23, 2024, addressed the devastating flooding in parts of the country, particularly the destruction of almost 50% of Maiduguri in Borno State.

According to the Special Adviser to the President, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu proposed establishing a Disaster Relief Fund, to be financed by a portion of the Federation account revenue and private sector donations.

Disaster Relief and Infrastructure Development

The council resolved to conduct integrity tests on Alau Dam and other dams nationwide. Additionally, they approved contracts for various infrastructure projects, including:

258 km Kebbi-Sokoto Highway: A 3-lane carriageway with continuous reinforced concrete pavement, part of the 1000km superhighway from Illela, Sokoto State, to Badagry, Lagos State.

Bodo-Bonny Road: Revised estimated contract cost increased to N280 billion with an additional 12-month completion period.

Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway: Rescoped and downward review of the contract to N740.79 billion with a 14-month completion period, including solar lights.

Lekki Deep Sea Port Service Lanes: N158 billion contract awarded to Dangote Industries.

Economic Stabilization Bills

The council approved the Economic Stabilisation Bills, which aim to: Amend income tax laws; Promote export of goods and services; Reform exchange rate regime and unlock foreign exchange liquidity; Offer tax relief to companies generating incremental employment; Provide personal income relief to people in private and public employment (from N200,000 to N400,000); Suspend certain taxes on small businesses and vulnerable populations. These bills will be transmitted to the National Assembly for passage.

Other approvals

Other approvals include contracts for repairing 14 bridges, roads, and flooded sections of Federal Highways.

Seven memos from the FCT Ministry, including contracts for building Judges Quarters and access roads as well as three roads in FCT satellite towns

Two memos from the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, including the restoration of national symbols and the unveiling of the national values charter were also approved.

As stated by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Tinubu, these decisions demonstrate the administration’s commitment to addressing the country’s challenges and promoting economic growth