President Tinubu Inaugurates 465km Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Nasarawa–Abuja Superhighway

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally flagged off the construction of the 465-kilometre Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Nasarawa–Abuja Superhighway, a titanic infrastructure deal expected to change transportation, trade, and connectivity in five states of Nigeria.

The ground-breaking ceremony took place at Amuro Primary School in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The event was presided over by the President’s representative, Governor Francis Nwifuru, and he thanked the South-East people for their continuous support for the Tinubu administration.

Speaking at the launch, Governor Nwifuru emphasized the significance of the project, calling it a strategic intervention that will have long-term dividend to the nation. “This project is an affirmation of the President’s commitment to harness infrastructure as a vehicle of national development,” he explained. “It is not about roads per se—it is about bringing nations closer together, creating opportunities, and transforming lives.”

The superhighway, upon completion, will traverse Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja). The superhighway will be a major economic corridor that will boost the flow of agricultural products, commodities, and services from the South-East and South-South to the North-Central and beyond.

The highway will:
• Drastically reduce the travel time between participating states and the capital.
• Improve farmers’ and traders’ access to markets.
• Enhance education by increasing access to institutions.
• Establish thousands of direct and indirect jobs during and after the construction process.

Works Minister, Engr. David Umahi, also spoke at the event as he praised the project as a “lifeline project” that will propel national economic growth and integration. Umahi gave the assurance of quality output and timely completion.

“We have the best of the engineering team and local man power to see to the fact that this road matches international standards,” stated Umahi. “I appeal to all the communities to cooperate and protect the workers and project properties.”

The superhighway forms part of the Tinubu administration’s broader Renewed Hope Infrastructure Plan to address Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit and raise national productivity through key investments.

Highway corridor towns have greeted the project warmly in the belief that the highway will open up distant regions and take development closer to grassroots communities, local residents and leaders said.

When construction commences, work is being closely monitored by transport experts, economists, and country leaders who see it as a booster for Nigeria’s economic and infrastructural growth.