Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The Federal Government on Wednesday signed fresh Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with two construction giants for the execution of four major highway projects across Nigeria, in what officials described as a major push under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s infrastructure renewal programme.
The agreements, signed between the Federal Ministry of Works and Messrs Hitech Africa Limited alongside Infiouest International Limited, cover critical sections of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Calabar-Ebonyi-Abuja Superhighway and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri corridor.
The Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed, said the projects form part of the Renewed Hope Administration’s legacy infrastructure plan aimed at improving connectivity and driving economic growth nationwide.
Speaking during the signing ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, described the event as another milestone in the transformation of Nigeria’s road infrastructure.
According to Umahi, the projects are designed not only to ease transportation challenges but also to stimulate economic activities and promote national integration.
“These projects are not just road projects; they are investments that will stimulate economic growth, improve connectivity, and enhance national development,” the minister stated.
Umahi said critics who initially doubted the feasibility of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway were now witnessing its economic and engineering significance.
“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 said.
The minister disclosed that Section II of the Calabar-Ebonyi-Abuja Superhighway traverses Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa states, while Section IV of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway passes through Oyo State. He added that Section V of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway cuts across Akwa Ibom State and involves extensive reinforcement work due to swampy terrain.
According to him, more than 70 per cent of the coastal highway alignment is located on deep swamp soil, requiring massive excavation and filling to ensure durability.
“This is not an ordinary road project. It is an investment that will last for 100 years with minimal maintenance,” Umahi added.
He further explained that the projects are being executed under the Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Financing (EPC+F) model, with the Federal Government expected to provide 30 per cent counterpart funding while additional financing would come through structured arrangements.
Umahi also revealed that the highways would be tolled upon completion to ensure sustainability and returns on investment.
Managing Director of Hitech Africa Limited, Mr. Dany Abboud, assured the government of the company’s readiness to complete the projects within, or ahead of, the 36-month timeline.
“HiTech remains fully committed to delivering these projects to international standards,” he said.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan, described the projects as evidence of President Tinubu’s commitment to modernising Nigeria’s infrastructure network.
The agreements signed include Section II of the Calabar-Ebonyi-Abuja Superhighway; Section IV of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway in Oyo State; Section V of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Akwa Ibom State; and Section II of the dualisation of the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri Road covering the Gombe-Biu axis.
Director of Highways, Bridges and Design, Engr. Musa Sa’idu, said the projects are part of the Federal Government’s broader strategic infrastructure development programme under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
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