Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has disclosed that the Calabar–Ebonyi–Abuja Superhighway would reduce travel time between the South East and Abuja to about 4 hours, boosting trade and economic activities.
This just as he revealed that investors are already seeking to refund and toll President Bola Tinubu’s legacy road projects.
Umahi spoke during the signing of the Memoranda of Understanding and contract agreements for eight major road projects across the country, held at the Ministry of Works, Abuja.
“I want to say this without any apology the SouthEast People will reciprocate what the President has done for the people. What happened in 2023 was an accident of history and in 2027, we will show our appreciation,” he stated.
“I was a governor, I was a deputy governor and we never witnessed federal government projects in the SouthEast but today, we may not be the first, or the second or the third but definitely, we are not the last.”
“So, we are very proud of what the president is doing in the entire SouthEast and I pledge on behalf of the entire SouthEast that we are going to reciprocate because with this project, any part of the SouthEast you are, you will be in Abuja in 3 to 4 hours. And this is a plus to our commercial activities,” he said.
The Minister noted that five companies competed for the project before Infouest emerged successful, adding that the same transparent procurement process was adopted for the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway project.
Umahi also spoke on the progress of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, saying the project had moved from skepticism to national admiration.
“When we started the coastal highway, 750km, people did not believe that it would be a reality. And some that knew that it would be a reality, out of envy and jealousy, started to criticize the project,” he said.
“But today, the entire country is waving their flags for President Bola Tinubu because that project is a beauty to behold. It is an economic catalyst for the nation, Nigeria.”
According to him, by November, motorists will be able to travel from Ahmadu Bello Way in Lagos through Sections One, Two and part of Section Four to Ondo State on completed portions of the road.
He added that Sections 3A and 3B in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States are ongoing, while Section Five covering 165.6 kilometres has also commenced.
Describing the coastal highway as more than a road project, Umahi said it was a long-term national investment designed to last for decades.
“This is not just a road project. I have always said that this is an investment that the President is doing, and this is a road that is going to last for another hundred years with no maintenance,” he said.
He commended HITEC Construction Company for what he described as speed, capacity and commitment to delivery, noting that the company has built a reputation for constructing up to one kilometre of road per day.
Umahi also explained that the cost of the projects include extensive drainage systems, reinforced pavement, concrete works and other durable engineering components.
“And for those who are asking us about cost per kilometer, we will be talking now at an average cost per kilometer, which is about N7.5b for a standard carriageway,” he explained.
The Minister further revealed that investors are already showing strong interest in the completed sections of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
“Just like in section one that we finished in Lagos, a lot of investors are begging to be given that section for them to toll and then give back our money even before they start tolling,” Umahi disclosed. “So it is an investment, and it is only a person like President Bola Tinubu that can do this.”
