TINUBU’S FOUR LEGACY PROJECTS WILL LINK ALL SIX GEOPOLITICAL ZONES SAYS UMAHI AS ECOWAS BANK MOVES TO APPROVE FUND FOR CALABAR-ABUJA SUPER HIGHWAY The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's four legacy road projects as a transformative national infrastructure network that will connect all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, unlock economic opportunities, boost food security, and accelerate regional integration. Umahi stated this on Monday, June 8, 2026, while receiving a delegation from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), led by Maimouna Sidibe, Head of the Basic Infrastructure Division, Department of Public Sector Corporations, at his office in Abuja. The EBID team is currently undertaking appraisal activities ahead of the approval of financing for Section One of the Trans-Sahara Super Highway, one of President Tinubu's landmark legacy projects. Welcoming the delegation, the Minister explained that the President's four legacy road projects were deliberately designed to function as an interconnected national transport network. "Let me say that the entire four Legacy Projects of Mr. President are interconnected in a loop," Umahi said. He explained that the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway seamlessly links with the Trans-Sahara Super Highway through Ndibe Beach in Cross River State.  According to him, Section One of the Trans-Sahara Super Highway spans 123.64 kilometres and runs from Ndibe Beach to the Benue border, while additional sections through Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa States have already been awarded. The Minister noted that the historic route has existed since colonial times, serving as a major corridor for trade and agricultural activities. "It has long existed and remains a major food corridor. It is critical to food sufficiency in our country," he stated. Highlighting the economic significance of the project, Umahi said the highway would connect major agricultural belts across the country, including Ebonyi, Benue and Cross River States, while significantly reducing travel time between Calabar and Abuja. "This route will shorten travel time from Calabar to Abuja to about four hours. It is therefore a very important corridor," he said. Beyond transportation, the Minister revealed plans to harness existing dams along the corridor for irrigation and renewable energy generation, creating new opportunities for industrialization, investment and job creation. "There are many benefits to this project. Beyond tolling and corridor development for investment returns, it will generate numerous jobs, both direct and indirect. There will be factories along the corridor, power projects, and significant traffic volumes on the road," he added. Umahi further explained how the Trans-Sahara Super Highway connects to the fourth Legacy Project through the Abuja-Akwanga Road corridor, extending through Jos, Bauchi, Gombe, Biu and Maiduguri. He noted that the recently flagged-off Gombe-Biu section covers 125 kilometres and is being constructed as a six-lane highway, while procurement activities are ongoing for the Bauchi-Gombe section. He also outlined plans to link the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway through a new route beginning at Victoria Island, traversing a 3.5-kilometre tunnel, Ogogoro Island and Snake Island before connecting to Badagry. "When you look at all of this on a map, you see a loop. All the geopolitical zones are included," Umahi said. "If you start from Sokoto, you can access all six geopolitical zones within two days. It is a remarkable development." Commending the contractor handling Section One of the Trans-Sahara Super Highway, Infioues, the Minister disclosed that work has already exceeded 20 percent completion. "My concern is that we need to fast-track the loan component because once they reach 30 percent completion, payments will become necessary," he said. He described the visit of the EBID delegation as timely and praised the bank for its commitment to supporting the strategic project. "That is why your visit is very timely, and we commend you highly. I also appreciate the meeting we had earlier. It was very fruitful, and I believe we are aligned in terms of enthusiasm and speed of execution." Earlier, leader of the EBID mission, Maimouna Sidibe, reaffirmed the bank's commitment to supporting the project, describing it as a priority infrastructure investment. "We are very honored to contribute to the financing of this very important project, which have been submitted last week to our first credit committee." Sidibe disclosed that the project had already received positive consideration from the bank's first credit committee and had advanced to the appraisal stage. "The members find this project very important and encourage the department to come to finalize the instruction of the projects." She explained that the delegation's visit included consultations with key government agencies as well as site inspections to assess project implementation, environmental compliance and social safeguards. According to her, the project is expected to proceed to the bank's second credit committee next week before being presented to the Board of Executive Directors in early July for final approval. Sidibe commended the Federal Government's commitment to the project, noting that counterpart funding obligations had already been substantially fulfilled. "I have to say that the project is of a very top priority for the administration, and that's why the administration have paid 30 percent of the counterpart money." She also praised the quality of work already delivered on the project and expressed confidence in the durability of the road infrastructure. "The members of the credit committees said that this technology is very, very good and already experienced on Lagos-Calabar, and the road duration will be at least for 50 years." The delegation included Mathieu Anno, Head of the Environment and Sustainability Unit at EBID; Onimisi Aliyu, Financial Analyst at EBID; Blaghe Dougah, Head of ESG Department at Sky Capital Europe; and Sheka Humphrey of Influence International, the project contractor.   ...

NORTH-CENTRAL ROAD PROJECTS UNDER SPOTLIGHT AS WORKS MINISTER SUSTAINS ROUTINE INSPECTION OF PROJECTS The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, has expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work on the Reconstruction and Expansion of the 43.65-kilometre Mararaba–Keffi Road. He made the remarks while inspecting ongoing Federal Government road projects in the FCT and Nasarawa State. The contractor on the Mararaba–Keffi (Keffi Bound) Road project is China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Ltd. During the inspection of projects within the corridor, the Minister also commended another contractor, Messrs JRB Construction Company, for the standard of work being delivered in the Full Emergency Rehabilitation of the Mararaba–Keffi (Abuja-Bound) Road. He expressed confidence that the project would be completed before the scheduled 1st March, 2028 deadline, with ancillary components, including the installation of solar-powered street lighting. “This is highly commendable. The quality of work is evident, and I encourage you to sustain this standard through to completion,” the Minister urged the Contractor. Engr. Umahi reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ending the era of abandoned and substandard infrastructure projects that have impeded national development over time. He stressed the need for contractors to adhere strictly to approved specifications, contractual obligations, and the Ministry’s directives, while maintaining open communication with the Ministry on operational challenges. “If you encounter any difficulty, inform us immediately. The Federal Government remains committed to meeting its obligations, including timely payments. However, quality must never be compromised,” he asserted. The Minister further directed the contractor to prioritise the completion of all outstanding sections of the road before commencing additional asphalt works. He noted that several projects across the country had suffered setbacks due to unfinished stretches and emphasised that the Ministry’s priority is the delivery of durable, safe, and fully serviced infrastructure that will serve Nigerians for decades. The Minister also inspected the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Road, Section II, being handled by Messrs Infiouest International Ltd. He noted that completion of outstanding works is scheduled for 12th November, 2026. Also speaking during the tour of duty, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Sen. Allwell Onyesoh, and the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, alongside the Member representing Akwanga/Wamba/Nasarawa Eggon Federal Constituency, Hon. Jeremiah Sa’idu, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the renewed momentum in infrastructure development across the nation. They described the ongoing road projects as strategic investments capable of stimulating economic growth, improving connectivity, facilitating trade and commerce, and enhancing national integration. They pledged their continued support and oversight of the projects. Also speaking is the Federal Controller of Works, FCT, Engr.  Mohammed Usman highlighted the level of commitment demonstrated in the execution of the ongoing projects. He commended the Minister for his hands-on leadership and consistent supervision, as well as the contractors for maintaining quality standards and ensuring steady progress on the projects. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North Central Zone, Dr. Abiodun Essiet, lauded President Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerians through sustained investments in critical infrastructure, agricultural empowerment programmes, and other people-centred initiatives designed to promote economic prosperity and ease of movement. In his briefing, the Managing Director of JRB Construction Company, Mr. Jamilu Ogunbola, disclosed that the company’s participation in the Abuja–Keffi Road project demonstrates the growing capacity of indigenous construction firms to successfully execute complex infrastructure projects, in line with global standards and best practices. The inspection tour further highlights the Federal Government’s resolve to ensure the timely completion and delivery of critical road projects across the country in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu. The Ministry remains committed to sustaining the current pace of infrastructure development as a catalyst for transformation, national cohesion, and improved quality of life for all Nigerians. ...

DON’T POLITICIZE SECURITY, IT WILL BE DEFEATED UNDER PRESIDENT TINUBU, SAYS UMAHI AS FG FLAGS OFF GOMBE–BIU DUALIZATION The Federal Government on Thursday, June 4, 2026 officially flagged off the Gombe–Biu Super Highway, a major component of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Dualization Project, with the Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, expressing confidence that Nigeria's security challenges will be overcome under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Speaking at the ceremony in Gombe State, Umahi described the project as another demonstration of President Tinubu's commitment to infrastructure development and national unity, while commending Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for the transformation of the state. "I’m very proud to boldly say that Gombe is an APC state. I’m very proud to have you as the Governor of Gombe State. Very proud to have President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the President of Nigeria," Umahi said. "Just a few hours ago, you took us around, but what we saw, we are honestly very, very proud of what you have achieved in this state. We never knew that Gombe was this developed by you. We thank you, and we thank you because you’re a true Nigerian." Umahi disclosed that the Federal Government had expanded the scope of the Gombe-Biu section following requests from the state government and assured residents that construction activities would begin almost immediately. "We promise you that within the next 30 days, you will see real work on this highway." According to him, the Gombe-Biu section forms part of the approximately 700-kilometre Fourth Legacy Project stretching from Akwanga through Jos, Bauchi, Gombe and Biu to Maiduguri. He explained that the section was awarded to construction giant HITECH after a rigorous procurement process. "There were five other companies that contested with HITECH, and HITECH won it." The Minister also addressed the nation's security challenges, expressing confidence that the Tinubu administration would overcome them through collective efforts and sustained government action. “Security should not be politicized. It should not be weaponized. Why is it that anytime we are trying to have an election, there is heightened insecurity? This is very concerning because anybody who takes the life of others under any guise, God is watching, and God is going to pay back. “If anybody has a hand in the insecurity because the person wants power, God will resist such a person. "So we stand with the President, we pray for him, and we work with him. This phase will also pass, and we will win our election by God’s special grace." He noted that President Tinubu had demonstrated leadership in stabilizing key sectors of the economy and would also succeed in restoring lasting peace across the country. "The boat is already on sail. It is on the high sea. We are experiencing turbulence, but the President has been able to stabilize the boat in so many directions." "The macroeconomy is stabilized, the naira is stable, and we are descending the gains of the reforms to the micro level. This insecurity will also be solved by this President, and then we will all be grateful to God Almighty." The Minister described President Tinubu as a leader committed to delivering projects that had remained unrealized for decades. "I was shocked when the Governor traced back the history of this project, how past governments attempted it, but it remained a dot in a circle." "But the man that God has sent to solve the impossibilities, and that’s why I’m confident that this security issue will be solved by him." He cited the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Akwanga-Maiduguri Corridor as examples of long-conceived projects now being actualized under President Tinubu's administration. "The Sokoto-Badagry project was dreamt about fifty years ago by the Shagari administration. Who actualized it? President Bola Tinubu." "The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway was dreamt by himself about twenty-eight years ago. Who is actualizing it? President Bola Tinubu." "This one also goes back decades. Who is bringing it to fruition? The same President Bola Tinubu." Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, in his remarks, described the project as one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the history of Gombe State and expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the Minister of Works for making it a reality. "The joy and excitement on the faces of our people speak for themselves. Across the state, people are celebrating because this project has come at a very important time in our history," the Governor said. He noted that the project aligns with the state's livestock and agricultural industrial zone initiative and would serve as a major catalyst for economic growth. "The livestock and agricultural zone will connect directly to the Super Highway, linking economic activities to critical infrastructure and opening up new opportunities for trade and investment." Governor Yahaya assured the Federal Government, contractors and stakeholders of the state's full support throughout the execution of the project. "On behalf of the Government and people of Gombe State, I assure you that the security of your personnel, equipment, and machinery is guaranteed throughout the duration of the project." Managing Director of HITECH Construction Company, Engr. Dany Abboud, assured stakeholders that the company would deliver the project according to the highest international standards. "We will execute this project to the highest international standards, as I have previously assured Your Excellencies. We will mobilize all necessary resources to ensure its successful delivery." He also pledged to create employment opportunities for host communities, particularly young people. "We are also committed to creating employment opportunities and empowering as many people as possible from the host communities, particularly the youth." Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell H. Onyesoh, commended President Tinubu's commitment to infrastructure development and called on Nigerians to support the administration. "We know we'll be coming here often considering the so many federal projects here. And I want to appeal to all of you to support Mr. President. He's doing very wonderfully for the nation." "Forget about induced insecurity that people are trying to bring to destabilize the country, but God will not allow it to work." Similarly, Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, praised the partnership between the Executive and Legislature in delivering critical infrastructure projects across the country. He commended HITECH Construction Company for its quality of work, timely delivery of projects and positive relationship with host communities, describing the company as a strong partner in Nigeria's development. "As legislators, we oversee appropriations and project funding. From what we have seen on the ground, the company has delivered work that shows commitment and value." The traditional ruler of Yamaltu Emirate, The Mai Tangle and Chairman of the Gombe State Council of Chiefs, Dr. Danladi Sanusi Maiyamba III expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Works and all stakeholders involved in the project. He also pledged the full support of his people toward the successful execution of the highway. A significant portion of the road within Gombe State passes through the Yamaltu Emirate, and the monarch assured contractors of a peaceful and conducive environment throughout the construction period. Dignitaries at the flag-off ceremony included Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Senator Ede Dafinone; Senator Anthony Yaro; Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Usman Banye; Hon. Ajilosoro; Hon. Inuwa Garba; Hon. Alex; SSA-President Community Development (North East); SSA to President Community Development (SouthEast), Barr. Chioma Nweze, traditional rulers; government officials; representatives of HITECH Construction Company; and other stakeholders from across the country. ...