FG Seals MoU with Hitech, Infiouest on Legacy Highways, Targets Economic Boost

"Many people initially doubted and criticised the projects, but today they have seen the reality. These projects are not just road projects; they are investments that will stimulate economic growth, improve connectivity, and enhance national development and integration." Umahi.

The Federal Government has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with Messrs Hitech Africa Limited and Infiouest International Limited for the execution of key legacy road projects across the country, reinforcing its commitment to infrastructure renewal under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The agreements, signed at the Federal Ministry of Works headquarters in Abuja, cover major highway projects spanning multiple geopolitical zones, including the Calabar–Ebonyi–Abuja Superhighway, Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, and the dualisation of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri road.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, described the development as a major milestone in the transformation of Nigeria’s infrastructure sector.

“Many people initially doubted and criticised the projects, but today they have seen the reality. These projects are not just road projects; they are investments that will stimulate economic growth, improve connectivity, and enhance national development and integration,” he said.

Umahi credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for translating campaign promises into tangible projects nationwide, urging citizens, particularly in the South-East and the South, to support the President’s 2027 re-election bid, describing them as “a people of wisdom.”

He commended the contractors for their professionalism and adherence to engineering standards, noting that projects such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway have begun to demonstrate their economic value despite earlier scepticism.

“When we started the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, many doubted its feasibility, but today the project has become a beauty to behold and an economic catalyst for Nigeria,” Umahi stated.

Providing details, the Minister explained that Section II of the Calabar–Ebonyi–Abuja Superhighway stretches from the Ebonyi State border through Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa states, while Section IV of the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway passes through Oyo State. Section V of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway cuts across Akwa Ibom State, with ongoing works also in Cross River.

He noted the engineering complexity of the coastal highway, revealing that over 70 per cent of Section V lies on deep swampy terrain requiring extensive reinforcement.

“This is not an ordinary road project. It is an investment that will last for 100 years with minimal maintenance,” he said, adding that costs remain competitive despite reinforced pavements, drainage systems and other structural requirements.

On funding, Umahi disclosed that the Federal Government would provide 30 per cent counterpart funding, with the balance sourced through structured financing under the Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Financing (EPC+F) model. He added that the roads would be tolled upon completion to ensure sustainability and return on investment.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of Hitech Africa Limited, Mr. Dany Abboud, assured timely delivery of the projects, even ahead of the 36-month completion schedule.

“Hitech remains fully committed to delivering these projects to international standards, even better than what has already been achieved on Section I of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway,” he said, expressing readiness for the commissioning of the completed Lagos section.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan, described the projects as clear evidence of the administration’s resolve to transform Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape.

“What we are doing today represents the President’s commitment to changing the face of infrastructure in Nigeria. Since the coming of the Minister, the road sector has witnessed tremendous transformation, and we are confident that these projects will be delivered within the stipulated timelines,” he stated.

In his remarks, the Director of Highways, Bridges and Design, Engr. Musa Sa’idu, said the projects form part of a broader strategic infrastructure programme. He disclosed that the agreements include an 82.8-kilometre dual carriageway alignment of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway in Akwa Ibom, about 180 kilometres of the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway in Oyo State, and approximately 125 kilometres of the Biu–Gombe section of the Akwanga–Maiduguri corridor.

Reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to quality delivery, Umahi invoked a proverb to underscore the importance of recognising effort: “When a lizard falls from a tall tree and nobody applauds it, it applauds itself.”

The MoUs were signed by the Permanent Secretary on behalf of the Ministry, while the Managing Directors signed for their respective firms. The initiative, according to the Ministry, is aimed at delivering durable, economically viable road infrastructure in line with the administration’s development agenda.

This is contained in a statement issued and signed by Mohammed A. Ahmed, Director, Information and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Works and a copy made available to Naij News Alert in Abuja.