The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work being executed by indigenous contractors on major federal highway projects initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing their performance as evidence of Nigeria’s growing local engineering capacity.
Speaking on Friday during an inspection of ongoing works on a section of the Calabar corridor of the President’s legacy road programme, Umahi said Nigerian construction firms have demonstrated strong commitment to national development, often continuing work even before receiving mobilization payments.
According to the minister, the corridor forms part of the first stretch of the 465-kilometre highway project that will eventually link southern Nigeria to the Federal Capital Territory, creating a strategic transport and economic corridor.
He noted that several indigenous contractors engaged by the Federal Ministry of Works have continued construction activities despite not yet receiving mobilization funds.
“Many of these local contractors have shown remarkable patriotism. Some of them have not been mobilized with funds yet, but they are already working. At least eight indigenous contractors under the Federal Ministry of Works are currently executing projects without mobilization,” Umahi said.
He contrasted their approach with that of some expatriate companies which, according to him, often delay work while assessing political and economic conditions before committing resources.
“These indigenous firms see themselves as partners in nation-building. Companies like Hitech Construction Company and others have shown that Nigerian contractors can deliver projects with the same level of professionalism and quality as foreign firms,” he added.
The minister explained that the project begins from Calabar and stretches from Ndibe Beach through Afikpo, Amasiri and Onueke, before connecting through the South-South and South-East corridors and eventually linking to Ukwachi (Ndiebor Ishieke) and the old Enugu–Abakaliki road.
From there in his words, the road continues through Mbeke Ishieke and terminates at the boundary between Ebonyi and Benue states.
He said that the section one of the project covers approximately 125.5 kilometres with a contract value of about ₦454 billion.
Umahi disclosed that the Federal Government has already paid 30 per cent of the contract sum, in line with the Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Finance (EPC+F) funding model adopted for the project.
Under the arrangement, the Federal Government provides 30 per cent of the funding while contractors source the remaining 70 per cent through financing.
The road is being constructed with concrete pavement technology, which the minister said is expected to last up to 100 years with minimal maintenance.
“Concrete pavement has come to stay in Nigeria because of its durability. With the quality of materials being used, these roads will last for decades,” he said.
Umahi disclosed that the project includes major bridge infrastructure, including a 25-span bridge structure measuring about 700 metres and another bridge of approximately 1.5 kilometres.
The bridge components are being installed using an advanced launching system in which cranes move along the piers to position beams without ground-based operations.
He said the superstructure works are already at advanced stages and expressed optimism that the project could be completed earlier than the official 36-month timeline if the current pace is sustained.
“If the contractors continue at this speed and the timeline is extended by about nine months, the project can be completed earlier than scheduled,” he said.
The minister added that about 11 kilometres of dual carriageway have already been completed along parts of the corridor.
He also directed contractors to establish an additional concrete production plant at Onueke to accelerate work from multiple fronts.
Umahi noted that the project forms part of four major legacy infrastructure corridors being implemented by the Tinubu administration across the country.
He explained that the road will eventually connect with the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, creating an integrated transport network across several regions.
Other related projects include the Second Niger Bridge Bypass, a 17.5-kilometre dual carriageway estimated at about ₦170 billion, as well as sections of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway currently under reconstruction.
According to him, part of the Enugu–Onitsha road project covering 107 kilometres is being executed by MTN Nigeria under the Federal Government’s tax credit scheme, while another 92-kilometre section is being handled by Sinohydro Construction Company Limited using concrete pavement technology.
He revealed that about 50 per cent of the concrete section has already been completed.
Umahi also acknowledged the role played by state authorities in facilitating the projects, particularly in resolving issues related to compensation for affected properties.
He commended the Ebonyi State Government for paying compensation to property owners along some project corridors, which he said made it easier for contractors to commence work.
“In cases where contractors have not yet been mobilized, they cannot handle compensation payments. That is where the support of state governments becomes critical,” he said.
The minister further disclosed that additional compensation payments are being processed for property owners affected by planned road expansion and dualization works in some communities.
Economic Development Corridor
Beyond transportation benefits, Umahi said the legacy road projects are designed as economic corridors that will stimulate industrial growth and regional development.
He revealed that land would be acquired along the highways for industrial estates, tourism centres, housing developments and other economic activities.
The roads will also feature modern infrastructure such as solar-powered street lighting, closed-circuit television surveillance systems and dedicated security monitoring facilities.
According to him, investors are already competing for opportunities to manage tolling operations on some of the highways once completed.
Mentorship Programme for Young Engineers
As part of efforts to strengthen local engineering capacity, the minister announced the launch of a national mentorship programme for young engineers.
The initiative, known as the President Tinubu Engineering Mentorship Programme, will train graduate engineers, mechanics and technical workers across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Participants will receive practical training on ongoing infrastructure projects across the country.
Umahi said the programme is designed to develop indigenous contractors and technical professionals capable of delivering major infrastructure projects in the future.
The minister also urged Nigerians, particularly youths, to contribute positively to national development and avoid abusive commentary on social media.
While acknowledging the importance of constructive criticism, he warned that insults and negative engagement on digital platforms do not contribute to nation-building.
“Criticism is part of democracy, but it must be constructive. Our young people should focus on contributing positively to the development of the country,” he said.
Umahi stressed that the success of national development programmes requires cooperation between government and citizens, noting that infrastructure projects can only deliver their full benefits when communities support and protect them.
He expressed confidence that the ongoing legacy road projects would significantly improve connectivity, enhance security and stimulate economic activities across the country.
