Federal Govt, Contractors Sign MoU On Construction Of 4 Legacy Roads

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works,on Wednesday signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with two construction companies, Messrs Hitech Africa Limited and Infiouest International Limited as part of the Renewed Hope Administration’s ongoing legacy road projects across the country.

The minister of Works Engr. David Umahi described the occasion as another milestone in the transformation of Nigeria’s infrastructure sector.

The minister in a statement by the Director Press Ministry of Works Ahmed Mohammed said people initially doubted and criticised the projects, but today they have seen the reality.

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

Umahi also highlighted the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in transforming campaign promises into tangible developmental projects across the nation.

He appealed to the people of the South-East and the South, generally, to reciprocate the President’s gesture by supporting his 2027 re-election bid, describing the people of the zone as “ a people of wisdom.”

The minister commended the contractors handling the four Legacy Road Projects for their professionalism, commitment, and adherence to engineering specifications and timelines.

He noted that despite initial criticisms of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, Nigerians are now witnessing its immense economic value and engineering excellence.

“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,” the minister opined.

Umahi revealed that Section II of the Calabar-Ebonyi-Abuja Superhighway (Trans- Saharan Route) spans from the Ebonyi State Border -Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa States, while Section IV of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway passes through Oyo State, and Section V of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway goes through Akwa Ibom State.

The minister who said work is progressing steadily on the other sections in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, explained that Section V of the Coastal Highway traverses extremely difficult terrain, with over 70 percent of the route located in deep swampy soil requiring extensive excavation, filling, and reinforcement works.

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

He further disclosed that the average cost per kilometre for the standard dual carriageway remains competitive despite the complex engineering requirements, including reinforced pavement structures, concrete drainage systems, culverts, and other road architecture.

Speaking on the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, the minister stated that the project demonstrates the President’s commitment to equitable infrastructure distribution across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

He also highlighted the Federal Government’s resolve to ensure durability and quality in all road projects, stressing that contracts under the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing (EPC+F) model would not be subject to arbitrary cost reviews, except under clearly established unforeseen circumstances.

Umahi reiterated that the federal government would provide 30 percent counterpart funding for the projects, while the remaining would be sourced through a structured funding arrangement.

He added that the roads upon completion would eventually be tolled to guarantee sustainability and return on investment.

The managing director of Hitech Africa Limited, Mr. Dany Abboud, assured the federal government of the company’s readiness to deliver the projects within and even ahead of the 36-month completion timeline.

“Hightech 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 stated.

He added that the company is eagerly waiting for the commissioning of the completed Section I in Lagos State, reaffirming the contractor’s commitment to quality, speed, and excellence.

The ministry reaffirmed its determination to continue delivering durable and economically beneficial road projects, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

The minister used a popular proverb to encourage appreciation for hard work and dedication, saying: “When a lizard falls from a tall tree and nobody applauds it, it applauds itself.

The permanent secretary, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan described the projects as hallmarks of President Tinubu’s commitment to transforming the nation’s infrastructure landscape and commended the minister for his leadership and dedication to repositioning the road sector.