News

FG Signs MoU Agreements On Legacy Road Projects With Messrs Hitech, Infiouest Under President Tinubu’s Infrastructure Renewal Agenda

Published

5 months ago

May 13, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, today signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) between it and two (2) construction companies — Messrs Hitech Africa Limited and Infiouest International Limited — as part of the Renewed Hope Administration’s ongoing legacy road projects across the country.

The signing ceremony, held at the Ministry’s headquarters, was attended by the Honourable Minister of Works, the Permanent Secretary, Directors, and representatives of the contracting firms led by their Managing Directors.

Speaking during the event, the Minister, H. E. Sen. Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE described the occasion as another milestone in the transformation of Nigeria’s infrastructure sector.

According to the Minister, 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 stated.

The Minister also highlighted the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR in transforming campaign promises into tangible developmental projects across the nation. He appealed to the people of the South-East and the South, generally, to reciprocate the President’s gesture by supporting his 2027 re-election bid, describing the people of the zone as “ a people of wisdom.”

The Minister commended the Contractors handling the four (4) Legacy Road Projects for their professionalism, commitment, and adherence to engineering specifications and timelines. He noted that despite initial criticisms of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, Nigerians are now witnessing its immense economic value and engineering excellence.

“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,” the Minister opined.

Engr. Umahi revealed that Section II of the Calabar-Ebonyi-Abuja Superhighway (Trans- Saharan Route) spans from the Ebonyi State Border -Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa States, while Section IV of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway passes through Oyo State, and Section V of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway goes through Akwa Ibom State. Work is progressing steadily on the other sections in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.

He explained that Section V of the Coastal Highway traverses extremely difficult terrain, with over 70 percent of the route located in deep swampy soil requiring extensive excavation, filling, and reinforcement works.

“This is not an ordinary road project. It is an investment that will last for 100 years with minimal maintenance,” he added.The Minister further disclosed that the average cost per kilometre for the standard dual carriageway remains competitive despite the complex engineering requirements, including reinforced pavement structures, concrete drainage systems, culverts, and other road architecture.

Speaking on the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, the Minister stated that the project demonstrates Mr. President’s commitment to equitable infrastructure distribution across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

He also highlighted the Federal Government’s resolve to ensure durability and quality in all road projects, stressing that contracts under the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing (EPC+F) model would not be subject to arbitrary cost reviews, except under clearly established unforeseen circumstances.

Senator Umahi reiterated that the Federal Government would provide 30 percent counterpart funding for the projects, while the remaining would be sourced through a structured funding arrangement. He added that the roads upon completion would eventually be tolled to guarantee sustainability and return on investment.

The Managing Director of Hitech Africa Limited, Mr. Dany Abboud, assured the Federal Government of the company’s readiness to deliver the projects within and even ahead of the 36-month completion timeline. “Hightech 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 stated.

He added that the company is eagerly waiting for the commissioning of the completed Section I in Lagos State, reaffirming the contractor’s commitment to quality, speed, and excellence.
The Ministry reassured its determination to continue delivering durable and economically beneficial road projects, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, GCFR.

The Minister used a popular proverb to encourage appreciation for hard work and dedication, saying: “When a lizard falls from a tall tree and nobody applauds it, it applauds itself.”

The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan described the projects as hallmarks of President Tinubu’s commitment to transforming the nation’s infrastructure landscape and commended the Minister for his leadership and dedication to repositioning the road sector.

The Agreements were signed by the Permanent Secretary, on behalf of the Ministry, while the Managing Directors signed for their respective contracting companies. They include;1. Calabar-Ebonyi-Abuja Superhighway, Section II: Ebonyi State Border – Benue – Kogi – Nasarawa States 2. Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Section IV: Oyo State 3. Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Section 5: Akwa Ibom State and 4. Dualisation of Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri Road, Section 2: Gombe – Biu.

“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.

Also speaking during the event was the Director, Highways, Bridges, and Design, Engr. Musa Sa’idu, who oversees the Legacy Road Projects, stated that the projects formed part of the Federal Government’s strategic infrastructure development programme, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, GCFR.

He disclosed that the agreements signed cover a new alignment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Akwa Ibom State, spanning approximately 82.8 kilometres of Dual Carriageway; Section IV of the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway covering about 180 kilometres; and the Biu-Gombe section of the Akwanga-Maiduguri corridor covering approximately 125 kilometres.

Share on Facebook

News

Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

15 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

Share on Facebook