By David Eze, Ebonyi
Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has outlined the economic benefits of President Bola Tinubu’s flagship highway projects, saying the ongoing infrastructure investments are designed to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, boost agriculture and improve connectivity across the country.
Umahi spoke on Saturday during the inspection of key federal road and bridge projects in Ebonyi State by the Presidential Communications Team as part of the ongoing Renewed Hope Media Tour of projects across the South-East geopolitical zone.
The Minister said strategic highway projects being executed by the Federal Government would open up economic corridors, attract investments, facilitate trade and enhance the living standards of Nigerians.
A statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye, said the Special Adviser led the inspection tour to the President, Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga.
He said it was aimed at showcasing the impact of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as well as the synergy between the Federal Government and state governments in delivering development projects.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Abakaliki, Onanuga said the media tour was designed to provide Nigerians with first-hand information on projects being implemented under the Tinubu administration.
“The Renewed Hope Media Tour is designed to provide first-hand assessment and public awareness on projects being implemented under the Tinubu administration, while also highlighting the synergy between the Federal Government and sub-national governments in delivering development dividends to Nigerians,” he said.
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State welcomed the delegation and commended President Tinubu for his commitment to infrastructure development in the South-East and other parts of the country.
The inspection team, accompanied by Umahi, Acting Federal Controller of Works in Ebonyi State, Engr. Maxwell Okoh, and representatives of project contractors, visited the ongoing construction of a 90-metre link bridge and the concrete pavement section of the Calabar-Abuja Trans-Sahara Super Highway at Onueke.
They also inspected the 1.3-kilometre Ndi-Egbe Bridge in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, which links the state with Cross River and is expected to be completed by December 2026.
Providing an update on the Calabar-Abuja Trans-Sahara Super Highway, Umahi disclosed that the original scope of the project had been expanded.
“The project was initially designed as a 118-kilometre single carriageway, but it has now been reviewed to cover both lanes of the 123.6-kilometre stretch for N445 billion,” he said.
According to the Minister, construction work has continued despite the rainy season, with significant progress already recorded.
“The project is over 28 per cent completed with continuous work despite the rainy season. We are utilising concrete technology for durability,” Umahi stated.
He explained that the Trans-Sahara Super Highway would connect Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, and Nasarawa states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, creating a strategic transport corridor capable of driving commerce and regional integration.
The delegation also inspected a completed section of the concrete pavement link road connecting Okposi-Ukawu in Ebonyi State to Ugwulangu-Abaomege in Cross River State.
Speaking on the broader economic impact of the administration’s infrastructure programme, Umahi said the projects were deliberately designed to support economic diversification and unlock opportunities in key sectors.
“The Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway corridor has over 73 dams for irrigation farming to boost agriculture, while the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and other development initiatives will improve connectivity, attract investors and enhance the quality of life of Nigerians,” he said.
He noted that, beyond road construction, the projects are expected to stimulate economic activity in host communities, facilitate the movement of goods and services, and support agricultural productivity.
According to the Minister, the infrastructure projects reflect the Tinubu administration’s commitment to using strategic investments to drive national development.
“These projects demonstrate President Tinubu’s determination to stimulate economic activities, create jobs and improve the living standards of Nigerians through strategic investments in critical sectors,” Umahi added.
Other members of the Presidential Communications Team on the tour included the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare; Senior Special Assistants to the President, Tunde Rahman, Tope Ajayi, Otega Ogra, Fredrick Nwabufo, Linda Akhigbe and Segun Dada, among others.
The Renewed Hope Media Tour is expected to continue across other states in the South-East as part of efforts to showcase key infrastructure projects and programmes being implemented by the Federal Government under President Tinubu’s administration.
