Indigenous Contractors Excel on Tinubu’s Mega Road Projects – Umahi

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has expressed profound satisfaction with the progress and quality of works being delivered by indigenous contractors on key federal highway projects initiated by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. He highlighted that their performance is a testament to the growing engineering and construction capacity within Nigeria.

During an inspection on Friday of ongoing works along a section of the Calabar corridor, part of the President’s legacy road programme, Umahi commended Nigerian construction firms for their unwavering commitment to national development. He noted that many contractors often continue work even before receiving official mobilization funds, underscoring their patriotism and dedication.

The Calabar corridor is a vital segment of the first phase of the 465-kilometre highway project designed to connect southern Nigeria to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), establishing a strategic transport and economic corridor for the nation.

Indigenous Contractors Leading by Example

According to the minister, several indigenous contractors engaged by the Federal Ministry of Works have continued construction activities despite delays in mobilization funding.

“Many of these local contractors have shown remarkable patriotism. Some have not yet been mobilized financially, yet they are already executing works,” Umahi remarked.

He noted that at least eight Nigerian construction firms are actively executing projects without formal mobilization, a level of commitment rarely observed among some expatriate companies. Umahi explained that foreign firms often pause work to assess political and economic conditions before committing resources.

“These indigenous firms see themselves as partners in nation-building. Companies like Hitech Construction Company have demonstrated that Nigerian contractors can deliver projects with professionalism and quality comparable to international standards,” he added.

Route and Scope of the Calabar Corridor

The project stretches from Calabar through Ndibe Beach, Afikpo, Amasiri, and Onueke, before extending through the South-South and South-East corridors and eventually linking to Ukwachi (Ndiebor Ishieke) and the old Enugu–Abakaliki road. From there, it proceeds through Mbeke Ishieke and terminates at the boundary between Ebonyi and Benue states.

The first section of the corridor covers approximately 125.5 kilometres, with a total contract value of around N454 billion. Umahi confirmed that the Federal Government has already disbursed 30% of the contract sum, in accordance with the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Finance (EPC+F) funding model. Under this framework, the government provides 30% of the funds, while contractors source the remaining 70% through private financing.

Advanced Road and Bridge Technology

The highway is being constructed using concrete pavement technology, which the minister noted is expected to last up to 100 years with minimal maintenance.

“Concrete pavement is here to stay in Nigeria due to its durability. With the high-quality materials being used, these roads will serve for decades,” Umahi emphasized.

The project also includes significant bridge infrastructure, featuring a 25-span bridge of approximately 700 metres and another bridge measuring roughly 1.5 kilometres. These bridges are being constructed using advanced launching systems, where cranes move along piers to position beams without relying on ground-based operations.

Umahi indicated that superstructure works are already in advanced stages and expressed optimism that the project could be completed ahead of the official 36-month timeline, provided the current pace is maintained.

“If contractors sustain this speed and the timeline is extended by about nine months, the project could be finished earlier than scheduled,” he said.

Approximately 11 kilometres of dual carriageway have already been completed along sections of the corridor. Umahi further instructed contractors to establish an additional concrete production plant at Onueke, facilitating simultaneous construction from multiple fronts.

Integration with National Infrastructure Network

The Calabar corridor is part of four major legacy infrastructure corridors being implemented under the Tinubu administration, designed to integrate with existing transport networks. Once completed, the highway will connect with the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, creating a seamless multi-regional transport route.

Other significant projects include:

• Second Niger Bridge Bypass – a 17.5-kilometre dual carriageway valued at about N170 billion.
• Sections of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, which is currently under reconstruction. Part of the 107-kilometre stretch is being executed by MTN Nigeria through the Federal Government’s tax credit scheme, while another 92-kilometre segment is handled by Sinohydro Construction Company Limited, utilizing concrete pavement technology. Approximately 50% of the concrete sections have already been completed.

Collaboration with State Governments

Umahi also recognized the critical role of state governments in facilitating the projects, particularly in compensation for affected property owners. He commended the Ebonyi State Government for timely payments, which allowed contractors to commence work without delays.

“In situations where contractors have not yet been mobilized, they cannot handle compensation payments. Support from state governments is therefore essential,” Umahi said.

He further disclosed that additional compensation payments are being processed for property owners affected by planned road expansions and dualization works in several communities.