FG Signs Fresh Deals for Lagos-Calabar, Sokoto-Badagry Highways

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Federal Government on Wednesday signed fresh Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with two major construction firms for the execution of key highway projects under President Bola Tinubu’s infrastructure renewal programme, in what officials described as another major push to modernise Nigeria’s road network.

The agreements, signed at the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja, involve Messrs Hitech Africa Limited and Infiouest International Limited and cover sections of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Calabar-Ebonyi-Abuja Superhighway and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri Road corridor.

The signing ceremony was attended by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, directors, and top officials of the contracting firms.

Speaking at the event, Umahi described the projects as strategic investments intended to stimulate economic activities, improve national connectivity and drive long-term development across the country.

According to him, the Tinubu administration remained committed to delivering infrastructure capable of transforming transportation, trade and regional integration.

“These projects are not just road projects; they are investments that will stimulate economic growth, improve connectivity, and enhance national development and integration,” the minister said.

Umahi noted that despite criticisms and public doubts that greeted some of the projects at inception, particularly the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, construction progress had continued to justify the Federal Government’s decision.

“When we started the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, many doubted its feasibility, but today the project has become a beauty to behold and an economic catalyst for Nigeria,” he stated.

The minister explained that Section V of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which passes through Akwa Ibom State, involves complex engineering works because a significant portion of the route lies within swampy terrain.

According to him, over 70 per cent of the alignment is located on deep swamp soil, requiring heavy excavation, reinforcement works, specialised pavement structures and concrete drainage systems.

“This is not an ordinary road project. It is an investment that will last for 100 years with minimal maintenance,” Umahi said.

He disclosed that Section II of the Calabar-Ebonyi-Abuja Superhighway stretches from the Ebonyi State border through Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa states, while Section IV of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway cuts across Oyo State.

The minister added that work was also progressing steadily on other sections of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.

Umahi further stated that the projects are being executed under the Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Financing (EPC+F) model, stressing that the Federal Government would provide 30 per cent counterpart funding while the remaining financing would come through structured investment arrangements.

He also revealed that the roads would eventually be tolled after completion to guarantee sustainability and ensure return on investment.

Speaking on the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway project, the minister said the road demonstrates the administration’s commitment to equitable infrastructure distribution across the six geopolitical zones.

He stressed that the government was focused on delivering durable projects built to international engineering standards.

Umahi also appealed to people in the South-East and southern Nigeria to support President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, saying ongoing federal projects in the region reflect the administration’s commitment to inclusive development.

Managing Director of Hitech Africa Limited, Dany Abboud, assured the government of the company’s readiness to deliver the projects within the 36-month completion target.

“Hitech remains fully committed to delivering these projects to international standards, even better than what has already been achieved on Section I of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway,” he said.

Abboud added that the company was already preparing for the commissioning of the completed first section of the coastal highway in Lagos State.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Rafiu Adeladan, described the projects as part of President Tinubu’s efforts to transform the nation’s infrastructure landscape.

“What we are doing today represents the President’s commitment to changing the face of infrastructure in Nigeria,” he said.

He commended Umahi for what he described as strong leadership and commitment towards repositioning the road sector.

Also speaking, the Director of Highways, Bridges and Design in the ministry, Engr. Musa Sa’idu, said the projects formed part of the Federal Government’s strategic infrastructure development programme under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Sa’idu disclosed that the new alignment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Akwa Ibom spans about 82.8 kilometres of dual carriageway, while Section IV of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway covers approximately 180 kilometres.

He added that the Biu-Gombe section of the Akwanga-Maiduguri corridor measures about 125 kilometres.

Officials at the ceremony expressed confidence that the projects would improve transportation, boost commerce, create jobs and strengthen economic activities across the affected regions once completed.