On Saturday, the Minister of Works, Engineer David Umahi, met with governors and stakeholders from Nasarawa, Benue, and Kogi States in Nigeria’s North Central region to seek their support for the proposed 477-kilometer Cross River-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Apo superhighway. This major infrastructure project is set to be constructed by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Speaking at the stakeholders’ engagement organized by the Federal Ministry of Works in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital, Umahi emphasized that the project goes beyond road construction. He described it as an investment poised to revive the nation’s economy. The Minister highlighted the superhighway as a legacy project of the current administration, promising significant benefits to all Nigerians, especially the residents of the involved states.
Umahi reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment under President Bola Tinubu to complete other significant projects, including the Lagos-Ondo-Edo-Delta-Bayelsa-Rivers-Akwa Ibom-Cross Rivers and the Sokoto-Kebbi-Niger-Kwara-Oyo-Ogun-Badagry superhighways.
“There are a lot of benefits because of these three superhighways. This is beyond road construction; it is an investment and a catalyst to revive the entire economy of the country. I request your support for Mr. President, who has about seven more years to deliver these projects. We believe these legacy projects shall be delivered within this timeframe,” Umahi said.
The Minister also revealed that all road projects would be reinforced with concrete to ensure they last up to 50 years without needing maintenance. Each section will feature six lanes, a train track, and solar streetlights. Umahi noted that the Sokoto-Badagry section has 53 dams and emphasized the long-term durability of properly constructed concrete roads. He also mentioned that the first section of the Lagos-Calabar highway, 47.7 kilometers long, aims to be completed by May next year, with tolling to begin immediately.
Addressing the governors and other stakeholders from the North Central region, Umahi disclosed that the Federal Executive Council had directed the prioritization and determination of long-uncompleted federal projects across states.
Governors and stakeholders from the North Central geopolitical zone, particularly Nasarawa, Benue, and Kogi States, commended President Bola Tinubu for initiating the Renewed Hope Legacy Infrastructure Project. Nasarawa State Governor and Chairman of the North Central Governors Forum, Abdullahi Sule, expressed gratitude to the federal government for undertaking such iconic projects, which have been in the pipeline for decades. He assured the federal government of their full cooperation for the success of the superhighway.
“Let me sincerely appreciate Mr. President for this iconic project, which has been in the pipeline before some of us were born. Today, we are witnessing the reality of these road projects,” Governor Sule stated.
Governor Sule thanked all stakeholders, including governors and National Assembly members, for their attendance and urged them to ensure necessary cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Works on the construction of the superhighway and other regional projects.
The Cross River-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Apo superhighway, an offshoot of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, is expected to cover 477 kilometers. The North Central region will account for 284 kilometers, with Nasarawa State having 95 kilometers, Kogi State 111 kilometers, Benue State 66 kilometers, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, 12 kilometers.
