Nigeria’s Infrastructure renaissance: FG seals landmark road deals

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Works, has taken a significant step forward in its infrastructure renewal agenda by signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with prominent construction companies: Messrs Hitech Africa Limited and Infiouest International Limited.

This development marks another milestone in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Administration’s commitment to delivering legacy road projects across the nation.

The signing ceremony, held at the Ministry’s headquarters, saw the Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, emphasize the transformative impact of these projects.

Umahi described the occasion as a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s infrastructure sector, highlighting that these initiatives are not merely road constructions but strategic investments designed to stimulate economic growth, enhance connectivity, and foster national development and integration.

Addressing initial skepticism, the Minister noted that while many had doubted and criticized these projects, their reality is now undeniable.

He particularly lauded President Tinubu’s dedication to translating campaign promises into tangible developmental projects nationwide.
In a call for continued support, the Minister appealed to the people of the South-East and the South to reciprocate the President’s efforts by supporting his 2027 re-election bid, acknowledging them as “a people of wisdom.”

He commended the contractors for their professionalism, commitment, and adherence to engineering specifications and timelines.

Umahi specifically cited the Lagos- Calabar Coastal Highway project, which despite early criticisms, is recognized for its immense economic value and engineering excellence.
“When we started the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, many doubted its feasibility, but today the project has become a beauty to behold and an economic catalyst for Nigeria,” the Minister stated.

Umahi provided details on the ongoing projects:

| Calabar-Ebonyi-Abuja Superhighway, Section II | Ebonyi State Border – Benue – Kogi – Nasarawa States | Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa | Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Section IV | Oyo State | Oyo.

| Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Section V | Akwa Ibom State | Akwa Ibom
| Dualisation of Akwanga-Jos- Bauchi -Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri Road, Section 2 | Gombe – Biu | Gombe, Biu.
He further explained that Section V of the Coastal Highway, traversing Akwa Ibom State, presents significant engineering challenges due to over 70 percent of the route being located in deep swampy soil, necessitating extensive excavation, filling, and reinforcement.

Despite these complexities, including reinforced pavement structures, concrete drainage systems, and culverts, the average cost per kilometer remains competitive, ensuring an investment designed to last for 100 years with minimal maintenance.

Regarding the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Minister Umahi underscored President Tinubu’s commitment to equitable infrastructure distribution across all six geopolitical zones.
He also reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to ensure durability and quality, emphasizing that contracts under the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing (EPC+F) model would be shielded from arbitrary cost reviews, except under clearly established unforeseen circumstances.

The Federal Govt will provide 30 percent counterpart funding for these projects, with the remainder sourced through structured funding arrangements. Upon completion, the roads will be tolled to ensure sustainability and a return on investment.

Mr. Dany Abboud, Managing Director of Hitech Africa Limited, assured the Federal Government of his company’s readiness to deliver the projects within or even ahead of the 36-month completion timeline.

He reaffirmed Hitech’s commitment to international standards, building on the success of Section I of the Lagos- Calabar Coastal Highway, which is awaiting commissioning in Lagos State.
The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan, hailed the projects as hallmarks of President Tinubu’s commitment to transforming the nation’s infrastructure landscape, commending Umahi’s leadership.

Engr. Musa Sa’idu, Director, Highways, Bridges, and Design, overseeing the Legacy Road Projects, confirmed that these initiatives are integral to the Federal Govt’s strategic infrastructure development program under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The agreements signed specifically cover a new alignment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Akwa Ibom State (approximately 82.8 kilometers of Dual Carriageway).

Also, Section IV of the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway (about 180 kilometers), and the Biu-Gombe section of the Akwanga-Maiduguri corridor (approximately 125 kilometers).