The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, has issued a directive to contractors handling the Calabar-Abuja Superhighway project. He instructed them to refrain from demolishing or touching any building along the project alignment until the Federal Government concludes a review and, where necessary, realigns the route. This directive was given during an inspection of Phase Two of the project at Ado in Benue State.
According to the minister, the second section of the project spans 173 kilometres and is valued at ₦683 billion, while Section One is valued at ₦454 billion. The contractor on Section Two has already opened the first element of the first eight kilometres. Efforts are being intensified to resolve the engineering challenge around the Ado Bridge. Umahi expressed confidence in the contractor's progress, commending them for the work done since his last inspection.
The project is being executed under an EPC Plus Finance arrangement, which does not provide for variations. This makes it necessary for the project team to carefully manage quantities and resources without imposing additional costs on the Federal Government. Umahi also highlighted additional works being undertaken under Section One, including the dualisation of the road at Onueke and Chainage 0 around Ndibe Beach.
During the inspection, Umahi addressed concerns about buildings located within the current alignment. He stressed that the human impact of the project must be carefully considered. The minister directed that sharp curves along the highway should be strengthened, irrespective of the original design. He emphasized the need for experienced professionals on major infrastructure projects.
Umahi defended the Federal Government's infrastructure programme under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He rejected claims circulating on social media that he had "cornered" Federal Government projects to the Southeast. The minister stated that the infrastructure programme was not his personal initiative but part of the Federal Government's broader development agenda under President Tinubu.
The minister also addressed the political situation in Ebonyi State, dismissing the idea of any political "rainbow coalition" involving him and other political interests. He stated that his Ebonyi State remained fully aligned with the APC and the political direction of the state. Umahi also clarified his relationship with former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.
Finally, Umahi addressed questions concerning his son, who was nominated by Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru as Chairman of Ohaozara Local Government Area. The minister clarified that the nomination was made by the governor, not by him. He advised his son to uphold transparency, honesty, and prudent management of public funds.
Key points
- The Federal Government has directed contractors to halt demolition of buildings along the Calabar-Abuja Superhighway project alignment.
- The project is valued at ₦1.137 trillion, spanning 173 kilometres in Section Two and an undisclosed distance in Section One.
- The minister defended the government's infrastructure programme, rejecting claims of favouritism towards the Southeast region.
