The Federal Executive Council of Nigeria has approved a NGN65.2bn ($412.2m) contract for reconstruction of the third phase of the Benin-Ofosu-Ore-Ajebandele-Shagamu expressway in the capital city of Abuja.

Scheduled to be completed over a period of 36 months, the contract has been awarded to Messrs RCC Nigeria, following a memo submitted to the council by the minister of works Mike Onolememen.

The project will include the total reconstruction of Km9 to Km18 and Km75 to Km162 sections along the stretch, comprising three lanes on each carriageway.

The council has revealed that reconstruction of the first and second phases of the project is nearing completion.

Phase I, which runs from Benin to Ofoso, was awarded in 2006, while the contract for the second phase, from Ofoso to Ajebandele, was granted in 2010.

"The project will include the total reconstruction of Km9 to Km18 and Km75 to Km162 sections along the stretch, comprising three lanes on each carriageway."

Onolememen said the outstanding sections of the road are in disrepair and have to be reconstructed to improve traffic flow along the route.

"The road, when rehabilitated, will not only improve the socioeconomic activities of the area, but will also reduce vehicle operating costs, travel time and accidents on the road," Onolememen added.

The new project is also set to generate employment for the citizens, the minister noted.

In addition to the approval of the Benin-Ofosu-Ore-Ajebandele-Shagamu expressway project, the council made other announcements, including the scheduled construction of Southern Parkway in Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

When completed, the Southern Parkway project will reduce the heavy traffic condition in southern parts of FCT.