Works Minister Umahi Declares Tinubu Administration Driving Nigeria’s Largest Highway Revolution
By Raphael Ekpang
Abuja (Core Reporters) Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Engr. Daviid Umahi has declared that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration is undertaking Nigeria’s most ambitious road infrastructure programme, with legacy highway projects designed to connect every region of the country, stimulate economic growth and transform national transportation.
Addressing journalists on Thursday, July 16, in Abuja , the Minister gave a comprehensive update on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and other strategic road projects, stressing that they are being executed in phases with due consideration for engineering standards, sustainability and available funding.
The Minister announced that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has been officially named the “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Highway”, in recognition of the President’s vision and commitment to actualising a project that had remained unrealised for decades.
According to him, Section One, stretching from Victoria Island to the Lekki Deep Seaport, covers 70.4 kilometres as a dual carriageway with a central rail corridor and is progressing steadily.
He disclosed that Section Two, extending about 55 kilometres from Eleko Junction to the Ondo State boundary, is approximately 50 per cent completed and is expected to be substantially completed by November, while noting that several bridges currently under construction form part of the procurement for that section.
Senator Umahi explained that the project incorporated advanced engineering designs, including bridge spans of up to 80 metres, significantly larger than conventional bridge spans, to accommodate heavy industrial traffic.
He added that Section Three, covering Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, has reached about 80 per cent completion, while Section Four, extending towards Ondo State, covers 82 kilometres and is about 20 per cent completed.
“Another 180-kilometre section has already been awarded and construction commenced, despite mobilisation payments yet to be made.
The Minister also gave an update on the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, describing it as another transformational legacy project.
He said one 120-kilometre section is approximately 70 per cent completed, another 82-kilometre section has reached about 40 per cent completion, while a further 162.35-kilometre stretch has exceeded 80 per cent completion.
According to him, once the remaining sections are procured, Nigeria will witness the completion of one of Africa’s largest highway corridors.
On Integrated National Highway Network, Umahi explained that all of the legacy highways are being developed as part of an integrated national transportation network.
He revealed plans for Africa’s first underwater tunnel, linked by a 21-kilometre approach road and approximately 20 kilometres of underwater construction before connecting to Victoria Island.
According to him, the coastal highway will seamlessly connect with the Trans-Nigeria Highway and existing corridors leading to Abuja, Apapa and other major economic centres.
He said ongoing projects linking Sokoto, Kano and other northern states will also integrate into the national network, creating continuous transport corridors across the country.
Trans-Nigeria Highway and Fourth Legacy Highway
The Minister disclosed that work has commenced on the Trans-Nigeria Highway, with construction already underway on the first section.
He explained that the corridor will link Bayelsa, Enugu, Kogi, Abuja and several other states, reducing travel time and improving the movement of goods and services.
He further announced progress on the Fourth Legacy Highway, which will pass through Akwanga, Jos, Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba States.
President Tinubu, he disclosed, has approved an additional 800 kilometres for the project, increasing its total length to approximately 1,100 kilometres.
The Minister also announced the revival of a major bridge project in Taraba State that was originally awarded in 2008 but abandoned, saying the project will significantly improve connectivity between Taraba and Plateau States.
The Minister listed Additional Strategic Road Projects among recently approved projects to include: Reconstruction of sections of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway using continuously reinforced concrete pavement expected to last between 50 and 100 years.
Reconstruction of the Lokoja-Benin highway.
Additional strategic road projects across the South-East. Continued expansion of national highway corridors linking major commercial and agricultural centres. Technology Transfer and Capacity Development.
The Minister said the administration has introduced a comprehensive technology-transfer programme to ensure Nigerian engineers acquire modern construction skills. “Young engineers from all states of the federation, he said, are being recruited for specialised training under ongoing projects, while contractors are required to transfer technology, technical knowledge and equipment to Nigerian professionals.”
According to him, the initiative will strengthen indigenous engineering capacity and enable local firms to execute similar large-scale projects in the future.
Climate-Resilient Infrastructure acknowledging the growing impact of climate change, the Minister said ongoing projects now incorporate higher embankments, improved drainage systems, reinforced concrete pavement and enhanced flood-control measures to reduce erosion and protect highways from flooding.
He also announced the development of service corridors along major highways to accommodate filling stations, emergency response facilities, logistics centres, rest areas and other commercial infrastructure that will stimulate economic activities.
Providing an update on the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road, the Minister disclosed that: “The first 180-kilometre section has been completed. Another 102 kilometres is under reconstruction using reinforced concrete pavement. Solar-powered street lighting is being installed on sections of the highway.
He said, “The project is valued at approximately ₦502 billion, with over 80 per cent of the contract value already paid.”
The Minister expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support for infrastructure development, maintaining that the administration remains committed to delivering durable, climate-resilient and economically transformative highways that will connect communities, promote national integration and accelerate Nigeria’s economic development.
