Engineer David Umahi, the Minister of Works, convened with Governors and stakeholders from Nasarawa, Benue, and Kogi States in the North Central region on Saturday. The purpose of the meeting was to garner support for the proposed 477-kilometer Cross River-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Apo superhighway planned by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The stakeholders engagement, held in Lafia, Nasarawa State’s capital, focused on aligning superhighways for the Renewed Hope Legacy Infrastructure Project. Umahi emphasized that the project extends beyond mere road construction; it’s an investment poised to catalyze economic revitalization across Nigeria.
“This project is a cornerstone of the current administration, offering substantial benefits to all Nigerians, especially those in the benefiting states,” stated Umahi, underscoring the federal government’s commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s leadership in completing major projects like the Lagos-Ondo-Edo-Delta-Bayelsa-Rivers-Akwa Ibom-Cross Rivers and Sokoto-Kebbi-Niger-Kwara-Oyo-Ogun-Badagry superhighways.
Umahi emphasized the longevity of the project, noting, “Each section will be reinforced with concrete, ensuring a lifespan of up to 50 years before requiring maintenance. These sections will feature six lanes, alongside a train track and solar streetlights.”
Governors and stakeholders from the North Central zone, including Nasarawa, Benue, and Kogi States, praised President Bola Tinubu’s vision for the Renewed Hope Legacy Infrastructure Project. Abdullahi Sule, Governor of Nasarawa State and Chairman of the North Central Governors Forum, expressed gratitude for embarking on these long-awaited projects.
“This iconic project has been in the pipeline for decades. Today, we witness the realization of these road projects,” remarked Governor Sule, pledging full cooperation to ensure the success of the federal government’s superhighway initiative in the region.
The proposed Cross River-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Apo superhighway, an extension of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, spans a total of 477 kilometers. In the North Central region alone, it covers 284 kilometers, with Nasarawa State accounting for 95 kilometers, Kogi State 111 kilometers, Benue State 66 kilometers, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, 12 kilometers.
