David Umahi, the Minister of Works, has praised Nigerian contractors for their dedication to federal highway projects, characterizing their work as an indication of the nation’s expanding engineering capability, ENigeria Newspaper had gathered.
Speaking during an examination of the Calabar corridor, which is a component of the President’s legacy road initiative, Umahi pointed out that despite not having received mobilization funding, a number of local contractors are already at work.
“Many of these local contractors have shown remarkable patriotism. Some of them have not been mobilized with funds yet, but they are already working. At least eight indigenous contractors under the Federal Ministry of Works are currently executing projects without mobilization,” he said.
He compared this to international companies, who frequently postpone work while evaluating conditions. “These indigenous firms see themselves as partners in nation-building. Companies like Hitech Construction Company and others have shown that Nigerian contractors can deliver projects with the same level of professionalism and quality as foreign firms,” Umahi added.
ENigeira Newspaper also gathered that the Federal Capital Territory and southern Nigeria would be connected by the 465-kilometer Calabar corridor, creating a vital transportation and commercial route. Section one is 125.5 kilometers long and has a contract value of ₦454 billion, of which 30% is funded by the Federal Government and the remaining portion is raised by contractors using finance under the EPC+F model.
“Concrete pavement has come to stay in Nigeria because of its durability. With the quality of materials being used, these roads will last for decades,” Umahi said, highlighting major bridges along the corridor, including a 700-metre 25-span bridge and a 1.5-kilometre structure.
He also expressed optimism that the project could finish ahead of the 36-month timeline if the current pace continues. “If the contractors continue at this speed and the timeline is extended by about nine months, the project can be completed earlier than scheduled,” he said.
Umahi acknowledged the role of state governments in facilitating construction, particularly in compensating affected property owners.
“In cases where contractors have not yet been mobilized, they cannot handle compensation payments. That is where the support of state governments becomes critical,” he said, praising Ebonyi State for completing payments along some project sections.
The minister underlined that the Calabar corridor, which connects to the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, is one of four significant legacy infrastructure projects intended to provide an integrated transportation network throughout Nigeria.
