The Federal Executive Council yesterday approved N54.172 billion for the construction of the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot-Ekpene Road linking Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.

Briefing State House reporters after the FEC meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, said the contract was awarded to Messrs Julius Berger Plc.

The minister explained that the approval was in line with the present administration’s promise to improve the economy by reducing journey time and cost of doing business.

He said: “So, we expect that all of the problems associated with that road, which was constructed for well over 40 years ago and has outgrown its design life and design capacity, will now be frontally responded to by the award of this contract.”