Jane Salihu
The Federal Government has signed fresh Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Hitech Africa Limited and Infiouest International Limited for key segments of four major highway projects under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s infrastructure renewal programme.
The agreements, signed at the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja, cover sections of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Calabar-Ebonyi-Abuja Superhighway and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri Road.
Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, described the signing as another major step in the administration’s drive to modernise Nigeria’s transport network and stimulate economic growth through strategic infrastructure investment.
“These projects are not just road projects; they are investments that will stimulate economic growth, improve connectivity, and enhance national development and integration,” Umahi said.
The minister noted that although some of the projects initially attracted skepticism, they are already demonstrating their economic and engineering value.
He cited the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as an example, saying the project has evolved into a landmark development that will unlock significant economic opportunities along the country’s coastal corridor.
According to him, Section V of the coastal highway in Akwa Ibom State traverses challenging swamp terrain, requiring extensive excavation and reinforcement works to ensure durability.
“This is not an ordinary road project. It is an investment that will last for 100 years with minimal maintenance,” he said.
Umahi said the contracts are being executed under the Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Financing (EPC+F) model, with the Federal Government providing 30 per cent counterpart funding while the balance will be sourced through structured financing arrangements.
He added that completed roads would eventually be tolled to ensure sustainability and recovery of investment costs.
The projects covered by the new agreements include the Calabar-Ebonyi-Abuja Superhighway Section II stretching from the Ebonyi State border through Benue State, Kogi State and Nasarawa State; Section IV of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway in Oyo State; Section V of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Akwa Ibom; and Section II of the dualisation of the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri Road covering the Gombe-Biu axis.
Managing Director of Hitech Africa Limited, Mr. Dany Abboud, assured the government of the company’s commitment to delivering the projects within, or ahead of, the 36-month completion timeline.
He said the company would maintain international standards of quality, building on work already completed on Section I of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan, described the projects as a reflection of President Tinubu’s determination to transform Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape.
Also speaking, Director of Highways, Bridges and Design, Engr. Musa Sa’idu, said the agreements cover approximately 82.8 kilometres of dual carriageway in Akwa Ibom, 180 kilometres of the Sokoto-Badagry corridor and about 125 kilometres of the Gombe-Biu section.
The Federal Ministry of Works said the projects are central to the Renewed Hope Agenda and are expected to boost connectivity, facilitate trade and support long-term economic development across the country.
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