Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, has announced the Federal Government’s plans to construct a 477-kilometre, six-lane superhighway that will traverse five states and connect to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This ambitious project aims to support President Bola Tinubu’s drive for food sufficiency by providing an agricultural and economic corridor.
The superhighway will pass through Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa, ultimately reaching Abuja. Umahi emphasized that the highway would economically revolutionize these states by enabling the efficient transportation of farm produce like rice, yams, and potatoes from Ebonyi and other regions to different parts of the country, addressing the challenges posed by the current poor road network.
The highway is part of a broader plan designed by colonial administrators to integrate the Southeast states with the coastal highway running from Lagos to Calabar. Umahi called for stakeholder support to realize the project, underscoring President Tinubu’s commitment to an infrastructural revolution across Nigeria. He highlighted ongoing road projects in the Southeast, such as the Umuahia-Aba-Port Harcourt road and the Enugu—Abakaliki road.
Addressing concerns about compensation for those affected by the highway construction, Umahi assured that proper measures would be taken, citing Gov. Francis Nwifuru’s successful compensation efforts for the dualization of the Enugu–Abakaliki highway.
Governor Francis Nwifuru expressed his enthusiasm for the project, commending Umahi’s continuous efforts to develop the state’s infrastructure. He reiterated the state government’s support for the project, emphasizing its economic and social benefits for the people of Ebonyi.
Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi (APC–Ebonyi North) described the project as a ‘dream come true’ for his constituents, who have long awaited its realization. He recalled the initial surveying of the road during his childhood and its importance to his community.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that stakeholders engaged in constructive discussions on how to achieve the goals of the superhighway project.