Umahi Applauds Local Contractors’ Role in Nigeria’s Major Road Projects
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has commended the performance of Nigerian indigenous contractors, highlighting their growing capacity in local engineering.
He expressed satisfaction with the speed and quality of work being carried out on key federal highway projects under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s legacy road initiative.
During a weekend inspection of ongoing construction along the Calabar corridor, Umahi noted that local contractors frequently continue work even before receiving mobilisation payments, demonstrating their commitment as partners in national development. He singled out firms such as Hitech Construction Company for delivering projects with professionalism comparable to international standards.
The minister explained that the Calabar corridor forms part of a 465-kilometre highway designed to connect southern Nigeria to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), establishing a strategic transport and economic route.
“The highway starts from Calabar, passes through Ndibe Beach, Afikpo, Amasiri, and Onueke, links the South-South and South-East corridors, reaches Ukwachi (Ndiebor Ishieke) and the old Enugu–Abakaliki road, continues through Mbeke Ishieke, and ends at the Ebonyi–Benue boundary,” Umahi said.
Section One of the project spans roughly 125.5 kilometres with a contract value of ₦454 billion. The Federal Government has released 30 per cent of the funds under the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Finance (EPC+F) model, while contractors source the remaining 70 per cent through financing.
Built with concrete pavement technology, the highway is engineered for a lifespan of up to 100 years with minimal maintenance. The project also includes major bridge works, such as a 25-span bridge measuring about 700 metres and another spanning roughly 1.5 kilometres.
Umahi expressed optimism that, if the current construction pace continues, the project could be completed ahead of its 36-month schedule. “With sustained progress and a possible nine-month timeline extension, this corridor can be delivered earlier than planned,” he said.
Approximately 11 kilometres of dual carriageway have already been completed along parts of the corridor. Umahi instructed contractors to establish an additional concrete production plant at Onueke to accelerate work on multiple fronts.
The minister urged Nigerian youths to contribute positively to national development and refrain from abusive social media commentary, emphasizing that insults do not aid nation-building. He stressed that infrastructure projects succeed when government and citizens cooperate.
He also lauded state authorities for facilitating project execution, particularly in handling compensation for affected properties. The Ebonyi State Government has already compensated property owners along sections of the corridor, with additional payments in progress to support road expansion and dualization efforts.
Highlighting the broader impact, Umahi said these legacy road projects are designed as economic corridors to enhance connectivity, improve security, and stimulate industrial and regional growth nationwide.
