FIC Report (Ebonyi State) – The Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, says the ongoing calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Kogi–Nasarawa–Abuja Superhighway will significantly reduce travel time between Ebonyi State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to about three hours when completed.
Umahi made the disclosure on Sunday during an inspection of ongoing construction on Section One of the highway at Km 118 in Ebonyi State.
He described the project as one of the Federal Government’s strategic road infrastructure programmes aimed at strengthening connectivity among the South-South, South-East and North-Central geopolitical zones.
According to the minister, the highway will improve the movement of people and goods, promote trade and stimulate economic growth across the affected regions.
“When the project is completed, commuters travelling from Ebonyi to Abuja will spend about three hours on the road, while those travelling from parts of the South-South to Abuja will be able to complete the journey in about six hours,” he said.
Umahi explained that the first section of the project covers about 123.5 kilometres, stretching from Cross River through Ebonyi to the Benue boundary.
He added that the second section, measuring about 168 kilometres, had already been awarded and would traverse Benue, parts of Enugu and Kogi before terminating at Wote in Nasarawa State, where it would connect to Abuja.
The minister said the highway was designed to integrate with other ongoing federal road projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Makurdi-Ninth Mile Road, to create an extensive transportation network across the country.
He commended the contractor handling Section One, InfoQuest Nigeria Limited, for the pace and quality of work, noting that construction was progressing simultaneously from different locations to meet delivery timelines.
According to him, construction activities are advancing from the Onueke axis and Ishieke Junction, while additional teams are expected to commence earthworks on other portions of the alignment.
Umahi also lauded H-Link Construction Company for its commitment to the construction of the Onueke flyover, despite challenges associated with delayed payments.
The minister further disclosed that the Federal Government had approved the rehabilitation of the most deteriorated seven-kilometre stretch of the 19-kilometre Edembe Road in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi, with work expected to begin in August.
He appealed to the Ebonyi State Government to assist in clearing structures affected by the project’s right-of-way, particularly along the Enugu-Abakaliki Road corridor, to facilitate the construction of dual carriageways and flyovers.
Umahi expressed optimism that the state government would provide the needed support, recalling its cooperation during the execution of the Onueke flyover project.
Responding to questions on security concerns along parts of the highway route, particularly in Benue, the minister said President Bola Tinubu had directed security agencies to provide adequate protection for construction workers and equipment to ensure uninterrupted work.
He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding road infrastructure nationwide, describing ongoing highway projects as critical investments that would enhance economic activities, improve connectivity and promote national integration.
The minister said flagship projects such as the Calabar-Abuja Superhighway, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway reflected the administration’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit
BAKARE LAURETTA
HOC FIC ABAKALIKI
13/7/2026
