In a landmark move set to redefine Nigeria’s transportation landscape and
economic future, the Federal Ministry of Works has signed the Memoranda of Understanding and contract agreements for eight major road projects across the country.
These initiatives, hailed as part of the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s growing legacy, are attracting significant investor interest, signaling a new era of infrastructure development.
Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, emphasized the transformative impact of these projects, particularly highlighting the Calabar-Ebonyi-Abuja Super Highway.
This ambitious project aims to drastically cut travel time between the South East and Abuja to a mere three to four hours, a reduction that promises to invigorate economic activities in the region.
The first 123 kilometers of the single carriageway, stretching from Calabar through Ebonyi State to the Benue border, have already been procured.
An additional 173 kilometers will extend through Benue, Kogi, and the Nasarawa States, culminating at the Oweto Bridge, with plans for a second carriageway of approximately 300 kilometers soon to follow.
He underscored the historical neglect of federal projects in the region, making President Tinubu’s commitment a source of immense pride and a catalyst for commercial growth.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, initially met with skepticism, has now become a source of national admiration. Umahi noted its evolution from a controversial concept to a project widely recognized as an economic catalyst for the nation.
This coastal highway is envisioned as a long-term national investment, designed to endure for century without significant maintenance, a testament to its robust engineering and the President’s foresight.
Investors are already showing strong interest in the completed sections of the LagosCalabar Coastal Highway, with many eager to participate in tolling operations, even offering to refund government investments upfront.
Beyond these flagship projects, the govt is also advancing the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway and the Akwanga-Jos -Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri Road.
President Tinubu’s insistence on concrete pavement for the latter ensures durability for a hundred years, reflecting a commitment to lasting infrastructure across all geopolitical zones.
The President’s vision, as Umahi stated, is for a unified Nigeria, with his 4 legacy projects are dotted throughout the six geopolitical zones.
The Federal Government will provide 30 percent of the funding for these projects, with the remaining 70 percent secured through loans.
The successful signing ceremony, which saw five companies compete for the Calabar-Ebonyi-Abuja Super Highway
before Infouest emerged victorious, marks the formal commencement of project implementation.
Dany Abboud, CEO of HITEC Construction Company, a key contractor, assured timely and quality execution, pledging to deliver projects ahead of schedule.
This new era of infrastructure development under President Tinubu’s leadership set to unlock unprecedented opportunities, connecting communities, boosting commerce, and forging a path to a more prosperous Nigeria.