Minister of Works David Umahi stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Legacy Infrastructure Project is planned to span eight years.
He mentioned that the President has seven more years to complete various road projects across Nigeria.
Umahi made this statement in Lafia during a meeting with North Central Governors and stakeholders about the Federal Government’s proposed construction of the Cross River-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Apo superhighway, which will be entirely funded by the Tinubu administration.
Umahi urged the attendees to support the President in this endeavor, emphasizing the belief that the three legacy projects will be completed within the next seven years.
The former Governor of Ebonyi highlighted that the 477km superhighway is a significant initiative of the Tinubu administration, poised to bring numerous benefits to Nigerians, particularly those residing in the states involved, thereby boosting the economy.
The new road projects, which will branch off from the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, include 95km in Nasarawa, 111km in Kogi, 66km in Benue, and 12km in the Federal Capital Territory, amounting to a total of 477km.
Umahi also reiterated President Tinubu’s dedication to ensuring the completion of the Lagos-Ondo-Edo-Delta-Bayelsa-Rivers-Akwa Ibom-Cross Rivers superhighway, as well as the Sokoto-Kebbi-Niger-Kwara-Oyo-Ogun-Badagry superhighway.
He underscored the multifaceted benefits of these superhighways, noting that the projects are not merely about road construction but are substantial investments that will significantly revitalize the country’s economy.
Umahi requested the support of the stakeholders and governors, reassuring them of the administration’s confidence in delivering these projects within the stipulated seven years.
The Minister further revealed that all the road projects will be constructed with reinforced concrete, ensuring their durability for up to 50 years without needing maintenance.
He mentioned that each section of the roads will feature six lanes, a train track, and solar streetlights.
Specifically, the Sokoto-Badagry section will include 53 dams. The Lagos-Calabar route, he noted, has substantial potential, with plans to complete the first 47.7km section by May next year and implement tolling immediately thereafter.
Umahi also informed the governors and North Central stakeholders that the Federal Executive Council has directed the prioritization of federal projects across various states that have remained incomplete for extended periods.
Governors from the North Central geopolitical zone, particularly those from Nasarawa, Benue, and Kogi States, praised President Tinubu for initiating the Renewed Hope Legacy Infrastructure Project, expressing their support for its successful implementation.
