The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a total of $651.7 million for the construction of the 7th Axial Road, a strategic infrastructure project aimed at linking the Lekki Deep Seaport to key transportation corridors serving both southern and northern Nigeria.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the approval on Monday following the conclusion of the FEC meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
According to Umahi, the road project comprises a 50-kilometre dual carriageway and an additional five kilometres of bridges. It is designed to serve as a major evacuation corridor for goods from the Lekki Deep Seaport, including output from the Dangote Refinery and Fertilizer Plant located within the Lekki Free Trade Zone.
“The 7th Axial Road is an evacuation corridor. It takes us from the Lekki Deep Sea Port, evacuating the goods of Dangote—the refinery, the fertilizer—and all the goods of the Deep Sea Port,” Umahi said. “It connects to Epe and then links directly to the Sagamu-Ore Expressway, which serves as a gateway to 17 southern states and the northern region.”
The project is expected to significantly enhance Nigeria’s trade competitiveness by facilitating the smooth and efficient movement of goods between one of the country’s busiest ports and major economic centers.
Originally approved under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, the project was intended to be funded through a facility from the China Exim Bank. Umahi revealed that it was one of two major infrastructure proposals presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Chinese President Xi Jinping during his last state visit to China. The second proposal involved the development of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Road.
Once completed, the 7th Axial Road is anticipated to alleviate pressure on existing transport infrastructure, lower logistics costs, and foster stronger economic integration across Nigeria. Strategically located within the Lekki Free Trade Zone, the road is also expected to support high-volume industrial and maritime activity, making it a cornerstone for Nigeria’s export-driven growth strategy.
