….Umahi Says Coastal Highway, Superhighways Will Transform Economy, Unite Nation
By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
The Federal Government has signed fresh Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with construction giants Hitech Africa Limited and Infiouest International Limited for the execution of major legacy road projects under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Infrastructure Agenda.
The agreements, signed at the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja on May 13, 2026, cover strategic highway corridors expected to boost economic growth, improve regional connectivity, and strengthen national integration.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, described the development as a major breakthrough in the Federal Government’s drive to modernise Nigeria’s road infrastructure.
According to Umahi, projects once criticised as unrealistic are now becoming visible symbols of national transformation.
“These are not ordinary road projects. They are investments that will stimulate economic growth, improve connectivity, and enhance national development,” the minister declared.
Umahi praised President Tinubu for translating campaign promises into visible infrastructure across the country, while calling on Nigerians—particularly in the South-East and southern region—to support the President’s vision ahead of the 2027 elections.
The minister also applauded contractors handling the four legacy projects for maintaining engineering standards and meeting timelines despite challenging terrain and public skepticism.
He singled out the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as one of the administration’s flagship projects, noting that what critics once dismissed has now become “a beauty to behold and an economic catalyst for Nigeria.”
Umahi disclosed that Section V of the coastal highway in Akwa Ibom State passes through difficult swampy terrain requiring extensive reinforcement and advanced engineering solutions.
“This project is designed to last for 100 years with minimal maintenance,” he stated.
The minister further revealed details of other key projects, including:
Section II of the Calabar-Ebonyi-Abuja Superhighway stretching through Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa states;
Section IV of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway in Oyo State; and
Section II of the dualisation of the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri Road covering the Gombe-Biu axis.
Umahi explained that the projects are being executed under the Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Financing (EPC+F) model, with the Federal Government providing 30 percent counterpart funding while the remaining financing will be sourced through structured investment arrangements.
He added that the roads would eventually be tolled to ensure sustainability and long-term returns on investment.
Managing Director of Hitech Africa Limited, Dany Abboud, assured the government that the company would deliver the projects within — and possibly ahead of — the 36-month completion timeline.
“Hitech remains fully committed to delivering these projects to international standards,” Abboud said, expressing confidence ahead of the commissioning of Section I of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Lagos State.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Rafiu Adeladan, described the projects as evidence of President Tinubu’s determination to reshape Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape.
Director of Highways, Bridges and Design, Musa Sa’idu, disclosed that the newly signed agreements include:
An 82.8-kilometre dual carriageway alignment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Akwa Ibom State;
About 180 kilometres of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway; and
Approximately 125 kilometres covering the Biu-Gombe section of the Akwanga-Maiduguri corridor.
The Federal Ministry of Works reaffirmed its commitment to delivering durable infrastructure capable of driving economic growth and improving transportation nationwide under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
