Nigeria's Federal Government has inked memoranda of understanding and contract deals for eight major road projects spanning the nation. The signing took place at the Ministry of Works in Abuja on Thursday, drawing together officials, construction firms, and key stakeholders.
Works Minister Engr. David Umahi called it another achievement under President Bola Tinubu's infrastructure modernisation push.
According to him, these projects will strengthen Nigeria's economy through smart capital allocation.
"Today is another event that adds to the great work that President Bola Tinubu is doing," Umahi told those gathered at the ceremony.
Umahi revealed that government has already secured the first 123-kilometre section of the Calabar-Ebonyi-Abuja Super Highway. It runs as a single carriageway from Calabar through Ebonyi State to the Benue border.
A second contract covers another 173 kilometres through Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa states. That stretch terminates at Oweto Bridge.
Soon, government will procure a second carriageway spanning roughly 300 kilometres. It will run from Ndibe Beach to Oweto in Nasarawa State.
This project will cut travel time between the South-East and Abuja significantly. It'll also unlock economic opportunities across the region, Umahi explained.
"The South-East people will reciprocate what the President has done for them," the minister stated bluntly. He recalled that during his time as governor and deputy governor, federal road projects in the South-East were non-existent.
"Today, we may not be the first, second, or third, but definitely we are not the last," he added.
Umahi noted that completing this highway means residents can reach Abuja in three to four hours from anywhere in the South-East. Such connectivity boosts commerce and trade across the zone.
Five companies competed for the Calabar-Ebonyi-Abuja project before INFOUEST won. Government used the same transparent bidding process for the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway contract.
On the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Umahi said the 750-kilometre project has transformed from a doubted initiative into national pride. Initial sceptics and detractors have since changed their tune.
"When we started, people did not believe it would become a reality," he noted. Some who knew better resorted to criticism driven by envy, the minister added.
"But Today, the entire country is waving flags for President Bola Tinubu because that project is a beauty to behold," Umahi declared. It represents an economic catalyst for the nation.
By November, motorists will traverse from Ahmadu Bello Way in Lagos through finished sections to Ondo State. Sections One, Two, and part of Section Four will be operational.
Sections 3A and 3B spanning Cross River and Akwa Ibom states remain under construction. Meanwhile, Section Five—stretching 165.6 kilometres—has already begun work.
