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

Published

12 hours 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.

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Prophetess Sholoye Faces Fresh Scrutiny as Bishops Petition CAN

Published

18 hours ago

May 13, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Nigeria College of Bishops and Peace Initiative Movement has called on the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to immediately suspend Prophetess Mary Oluwaseye Yomi Sholoye, founder of the New Seraph Church, pending an investigation into allegations against her.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, the group’s National President, Bishop Abel King, said the call was driven by concerns over the integrity of Christianity and the reputation of genuine clergy.

The group said Prophetess Sholoye’s name had become publicly linked to matters raising “serious moral, spiritual, and ethical questions” before Nigerians.

According to the statement, documents in the public domain suggest that Sholoye met with individuals involved in transactions allegedly worth hundreds of millions of naira, including discussions tied to political appointments and public offices. The group said meetings were reportedly held in Abuja with witnesses present and agreements allegedly drafted and signed.

The group expressed alarm that a public representative of the Christian faith would allegedly be involved in activities connecting spiritual consultations to public office and financial negotiations.

“Christianity does not teach the buying of political offices. Christianity does not support spiritual manipulation for earthly power. Christianity does not endorse secret financial dealings disguised as prophecy or divine influence,” the statement read.

The group also raised concerns over Sholoye’s reported petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against HRH Dr. Halimat Adenike Tejuosho, describing it as “selective, unfair, and misleading” given claims that funds were knowingly routed through agreed channels.

The Nigeria College of Bishops and Peace Initiative Movement urged CAN to take five steps: launch an immediate disciplinary and doctrinal review of Prophetess Sholoye; suspend her from recognized ministerial activities pending clarification; publicly distance the Church from practices that commercialize spirituality; protect the image of Christianity; and reaffirm the Church’s commitment to truth, justice, and accountability.

“This is not persecution. This is accountability,” Bishop King said, adding that the Church must not appear to tolerate conduct that contradicts biblical principles. The group also appealed to security agencies to conduct fair and unbiased investigations into all persons connected to the transactions.

CAN had not issued a public response to the demands as of press time. Efforts to reach representatives of Prophetess Sholoye for comment were unsuccessful.

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