Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has instructed construction crews on the Calabar-Abuja Superhighway to stop demolishing or interfering with properties along the mapped corridor until federal authorities evaluate the route and execute necessary path adjustments.
Umahi issued this order while inspecting Phase Two operations in Ado, Benue State, where he urged builders to accelerate momentum across the 173-kilometer section, budgeted at N683 billion. He noted that Section One carries a price tag of N454 billion, with the primary eight-kilometer portion of Section Two already unlocked for development.
To expedite delivery, the minister requested that the contractor operate across a minimum of three fronts simultaneously while technical experts resolve complex structural challenges at the Ado Bridge. Insisting that no engineering hurdle is insurmountable, Umahi directed workers to open an additional front starting from the Ado River while bridge solutions are finalized, while praising the builder’s noticeable advancements since his prior visit.
Addressing properties situated on the roadway’s path, Umahi stressed that preserving homes remains a core priority. He instructed the team to maneuver around standing buildings without touching them until federal evaluators inspect the sites and adjust alignments. He added that hazardous curves would be re-engineered, pointing out that because the project functions under an EPC Plus Finance framework without room for cost variations, strict control of resources and quantities is mandatory. Other ongoing enhancements encompass road dualisation around Onueke and at Chainage 0 near Ndibe Beach.
The minister also defended the infrastructure drive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, dismissing online allegations that he was funneling capital works exclusively to the Southeast. Umahi emphasized that all projects reflect the President’s overarching nationwide development agenda rather than any personal favoritism.
On regional politics, Umahi dispelled speculations regarding an unconventional cross-party pact involving former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike in Ebonyi State, affirming that the state remains steadfastly behind the All Progressives Congress. He asserted that political rivals are permitted to campaign freely so long as they avoid inciting unrest or spreading hate speech.
Urging Nigerians to assess the administration based on delivered results rather than campaign slogans, Umahi explained that the federal government’s four landmark infrastructure schemes are funded through a mix of 30 percent local funding and 70 percent foreign financing. He also elaborated on his previous critiques of Peter Obi, attributing his concerns to policy approaches and the dangers of identity politics.
Reaffirming his endorsement of President Tinubu ahead of 2027, Umahi argued that political continuity is vital for seeing multi-year national public works through to completion. Lastly, he addressed his son’s appointment as Ohaozara Local Government Area Chairman, clarifying that the selection was made by Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, and adding that he urged his son to lead with integrity and ensure fair resource distribution throughout every ward in the council.