By OKEOGHENE AKUBUIKE

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved three strategic Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s infrastructure base and stimulating economic growth across critical sectors.

This is contained in a statement issued by Ifeanyi Nwoko, Acting Head of Media and Publicity of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), in Abuja on Sunday.

The statement said the projects include the development of a Smart National Transport Data Bank under the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT).

It added that the other projects are Independent Power Projects (IPPs) at the Onne Port Complex and the Apapa Port Complex.

According to the statement, the approvals followed regulatory oversight by the ICRC.

It said the commission reviewed the Outline Business Case, conducted due diligence and negotiations, and certified the Full Business Case in line with its regulatory framework before presentation to FEC.

The statement quoted the Director-General of the ICRC, Dr Jobson Ewalefoh, as saying: “The approvals represent a deliberate shift towards well-structured PPPs that unlock private capital and deliver measurable economic impact.”

Ewalefoh said the Smart National Transport Data Bank would address long-standing challenges associated with inadequate transport data in the country.

“Nigeria’s biggest transport challenge is not just infrastructure; it is the lack of reliable, usable data.

“What this administration has done with the approval of the National Transport Data Bank is to lay the foundation for a data-driven transport system that improves planning, enforcement and overall efficiency across the sector.”

He explained that the project would serve as a nationwide digital platform for transport intelligence by integrating real-time data across road, rail, air and marine transport systems.

According to him, the system will deploy technologies such as vehicle tagging and automated number plate recognition to support traffic management and enforcement.

Ewalefoh added that the initiative would improve government’s capacity to plan infrastructure investments based on credible data, reduce operational inefficiencies and create new revenue streams through automation and digital compliance.

Speaking on the power projects, the ICRC boss described the Onne and Apapa Port IPPs as strategic interventions designed to tackle unreliable electricity supply in key industrial zones.

“At Onne, the development of a 50-megawatt power plant will provide stable electricity to the port and the Oil and Gas Free Zone.

“It will significantly reduce operational bottlenecks and support industrial activities in that corridor,” he said.

He further stated that the Apapa Port project, expected to generate about 36 megawatts through a hybrid energy mix, would improve energy reliability within the nation’s busiest port environment.

According to him, the project will also lower operational energy costs and improve the competitiveness of port operations.

“These are not just power projects; they are productivity enablers.

“When you fix power in these critical economic zones, you directly impact trade efficiency, reduce the cost of doing business and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional hub,” he said.

Ewalefoh said the projects underscored government’s coordinated approach to addressing infrastructure deficits through structured PPP frameworks.

He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring that all PPP projects align with global best practices, while promoting value for money, investor confidence and protection of public interest. (NAN)

Update news