Presidential Research & Communications Unit

To meet local gas requirement, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on august 27, 2008 made three approvals - N4.6 billion, $344.2 million, and $177.6 million- for the expansion of the Escravos-Lagos pipeline phases one and two.

Minister of Information and Communications, Mr. John Odey; his Energy counterpart in charge of Petroleum, Mr. Odein Ajumogobia; and Federal Capital Territory Minister, Dr. Modibbo Umar, told State House Correspondents after the FEC meeting that "Council was requested to note that in order to meet the gas requirement of the domestic economy, particularly that of the power sector, it is necessary for the Nigerian Gas Company to embark on the project to expand the Escravos-Lagos pipeline."

Mr.Ajumogobia explained that a draft Petroleum Industry Bill was in the making for the National Assembly to work on, adding that the Dr. Rilwan Lukman's Committee Report on the oil and gas sector reform was adopted wholesale by the Council.

Presided over by Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan, the meeting also made other approvals for the provision of infrastructure in the following areas:

• N7 billion contract for the repair of the Okrika jetties A and B in Rivers State, awarded to Lee Engineering and Construction Company.

• N4 billion contract for the reconstruction of Yola- Numan road in Adamawa State

• N780 million for the construction of Ogbese River Bridge linking Okelusi in Ondo State and Okada in Edo State

• N125 million contract for engagement of consultancy for engineering design and production of tender document for roads B08, B10 (Abuja Boulevards) and other arterial and access

• N429million. For the overloading/upgrading of the FCT water board pumping stations

• N246 million for the rehabilitation of phase1, lower Usman Dam water treatment plant and associated installations

• N1 billion for the operation, maintenance and staff training for Wupa Basic sewage treatment plant, Abuja

• N144.18 million contract for the construction and equipment of Utako District General Hospital in Abuja.

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