The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, says the ongoing Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Kogi–Nasarawa–Abuja Superhighway, one of President Bola Tinubu’s flagship legacy infrastructure projects, will enhance security, stimulate economic growth, and create employment opportunities for Nigerians.
Umahi also said the project would reduce travel time between Ebonyi State and Abuja to about three hours upon completion.
The minister made the remarks while addressing journalists during an inspection of ongoing construction work at Kilometre 118 of Section One of the superhighways in Ebonyi State.
He described the highway as a transformative national infrastructure project designed to improve connectivity between the South-South, South-East and North-Central regions while stimulating economic activities and facilitating the movement of people and goods.
According to him, the first section of the project spans approximately 123.5 kilometres from Cross River State through Ebonyi to the Benue boundary, while the second section, measuring 168 kilometres, has been awarded. It will pass through Benue, parts of Enugu and Kogi states before terminating at Wote in Nasarawa State and linking to Abuja.
Umahi explained that the superhighway would integrate seamlessly with other ongoing federal road projects, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and the Makurdi–Ninth Mile Road, creating a strategic transport corridor across the country.
“If you are in Ebonyi, you will get to Abuja in about three hours. From the South-South, you can get to Abuja in about six hours when these projects are completed,” he said.
The minister commended the contractor handling the project, Infouest Nigeria Limited, for the quality and pace of work, noting that construction was progressing simultaneously from multiple fronts to accelerate delivery.
He disclosed that work was advancing from both the Onueke axis and Ishieke Junction, adding that additional construction teams would soon commence earthworks on other sections of the alignment.
Umahi also praised H-Link Construction Company for the ongoing flyover project at Onueke, saying the contractor had demonstrated commitment despite delays in payment.
He further revealed that the Federal Government had approved the rehabilitation of the most deteriorated seven-kilometre stretch of the 19-kilometre Edembe Road in the Izzi Local Government Area, with work expected to commence in August.
The minister appealed to the Ebonyi State Government to facilitate the removal of structures affected by the project’s right-of-way, particularly along the Enugu–Abakaliki Road corridor, to enable the construction of dual carriageways and flyovers.
He expressed confidence that the state government would provide the necessary support, recalling the cooperation it extended during the construction of the Onueke Flyover.
Responding to questions on whether completed sections of the road would be opened to motorists before the entire project is completed, Umahi said construction would continue simultaneously on different segments without disrupting progress.
“The first carriageway is already under construction, while the second carriageway has been designed. Different engineering teams will handle different sections simultaneously,” he explained.
On concerns about insecurity in parts of Benue State through which the highway passes, the minister assured Nigerians that adequate security measures had been put in place to protect workers and the project.
He said President Tinubu had directed security agencies to ensure that construction activities were not disrupted by criminal elements.
Umahi defended the Tinubu administration’s infrastructure drive, stating that the numerous road projects under construction across the country demonstrated the government’s commitment to national development.
According to him, borrowing to finance critical infrastructure is an investment in Nigeria’s future, as improved transportation networks will drive economic growth, enhance productivity and attract investment.
He maintained that President Tinubu’s legacy projects, including the Calabar–Abuja Superhighway, the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, would redefine Nigeria’s road infrastructure, strengthen national integration and accelerate socio-economic development.
