The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, has announced significant progress and new approvals for several monumental infrastructure projects across Nigeria, emphasizing the Federal Government’s commitment to national development and integration.
During a comprehensive press conference in Abuja, Umahi highlighted four key legacy projects, with a particular focus on the newly named President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Coastal Highway.
The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Coastal Highway (Lagos-Calabar)
The flagship project, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, spanning impressive 750 kilometers, has been officially named the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Coastal Highway.
Minister Umahi stated that this decision was made by the power conferred upon
him, in consultation with the relevant stakeholders, to honor President Tinubu’s long-standing vision for the project, dates back 27 years to his time as Governor of Lagos State.
Umahi provided a detailed breakdown of the project’s progress:
• Section 1 (VI to a local village): This 47.47-kilometer stretch features a two carriageway with a 25-meter train track in the middle and is described as a “beauty to behold.”
• Section 2 (from local village to Lagos-Ogun border): Approximately 55 kilometers, this section is 60% complete and is expected to be finished by the end of November.
It includes the construction of nine mega bridges and flyovers, with some bridges featuring an 80-meter span, significantly wider than the traditional 15-meter span, to accommodate heavy traffic, particularly near the Dangote Refinery.
• Section 3 (Calabar end): Procured for 75 kilometers, with 28 kilometers in Akwa Ibom and the rest in Cross River. This section is 30% complete and is projected to be finished in less than a year.
• Section 4 (Ogun and Ondo): This 82-kilometer dualized project is 20% complete, with an estimated completion time of one and a half years.
• Section 5 (Akwa Ibom): The longest section at 180 kilometers, it has been awarded and is 20% complete, despite mobilization payments not yet being made.
Umahi expressed confidence that the remaining four sections, including those in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Edo states, will be completed, asserting that Tinubu will return in 2027 to continue this
“beautiful good work.”
Second Legacy Project: Sokoto-Badagry Highway
The Minister also highlighted the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, a project conceived over 50 years ago during the Shagari administration, now being actualized.
This 1,068-kilometer road, starting in Ilela, Sokoto State, is designed to significantly reduce travel time between
Sokoto and Lagos to approximately 10 hours at 100 km/h.
Key progress points include:
• Ilela to Sokoto: 120 kilometers, 70% completed despite security challenges, with ongoing work on tree planting, solar lighting, and CCTV installation.
• Kebe Section: 258 kilometers, over 40% done, with work progressing day and night.
• Badagry Section: 162.35 kilometers, dualized and over 30% complete.
Umahi expressed optimism that the remaining sections in Niger and Kwara states would soon be procured, completing this unprecedented project.
Third Legacy Project: Trans-Sahara Route
The Trans-Sahara route, passing through the Southeast, was presented as a project aimed at the full integration of the region.
Umahi specifically mentioned the Ndibe Beach project in Ebonyi State, an 8- kilometer section that is over 40% complete, fulfilling a long-standing
promise.
Further details include:
• Trans-Sahara Section 1: 123 kilometers, starting as a single carriageway, reaching the boundary of Benue State, with significant work already observed.
• Benue to Enugu: A 168-kilometer stretch passing through Benue and entering Enugu State via the Osoka axis, then proceeding to Kogi State and ending at Awote Bridge.
This route is expected to reduce travel time from the Southeast to Abuja to between two and four hours.
Fourth Legacy Project: Akwanga to Maiduguri
This project, with 125 kilometers already procured and awarded to GCGOC-CGC joint venture, has commenced work. The route extends from Akwanga to Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Biu, and ultimately to Maiduguri.
A significant development is the recent approval by President Tinubu for an additional 400 kilometers, bringing the total length of this dualized project to 1,100 kilometers.
This expansion will pass through several key locations, including the areas of General Gowon, Solomon Lar, and the current National Chairman of APC.
Other Key Approvals and Initiatives
Minister Umahi also announced several other critical approvals and ongoing initiatives:
• Imbi Bridge (Taraba State): Awarded in 2018 and 40% complete before abandonment, President Tinubu has approved its review and completion.
• Lau Bridge (Taraba State): A 5.76- kilometer ocean bridge, approved for design, procurement, and award.
• Obanewi-Oga-Ihube, Okigwe Junction: A 150-kilometer project running through
Anambra, Imo, and Abia states, crucial for the Southeast.
• Otwacha-Anam to Ibaji (Anambra to Kogi): This 180-kilometer route will significantly connect Anambra to Kogi, effectively linking it closer to Abuja.
• Lagos-Ibadan Road Reconstruction: Approved for reconstruction using reinforced concrete pavement, designed to last 50 to 100 years maintenance-free, addressing previous failures of asphalt roads.
• East-West Road (Lokoja to Benin): President Tinubu approved the dualization of a 400- kilometer section, aimed at boosting economic activities and improving safety on this vital route.
• Third Mainland Bridge: The design review is underway for this over 21-kilometer bridge, with underground and sidewall investigations concluded.
• Eko Bridge: Full replacement has been awarded, with temporary measures in place to maintain the existing structure.
Minister Umahi’s Stance on Criticism
Addressing critics, Umahi adopted a defiant tone, stating that attacks only sharpen his resolve and highlight the administration’s achievements.
He asserted that the projects are tangible and realistic, driven by integrity, and will continue regardless of opposition.
He emphasized the economic benefits of improved road infrastructure, citing enhanced inter-trade, improved security through CCTV and highway patrols, and reduced response times for emergencies.
Conclusion
Minister Umahi’s press conference painted a picture of an administration deeply committed to transforming Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape.
The ambitious scope of the projects, particularly the newly named President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway, underscores a strategic effort to connect regions, boost economic activities, and fulfill long-held national development aspirations.
