Trans-Sahara Superhighway set to unlock trade, investment across South East – FG

The Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue Trans-Sahara Superhighway is emerging as one of Nigeria’s most ambitious economic infrastructure projects, with government officials projecting that the corridor will unlock trade, improve logistics, stimulate investment and connect agricultural production centres to regional markets.

Speaking during an inspection of ongoing federal projects in Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi, Minister of Works, described the highway as a strategic economic asset designed to transform commerce across the South-East, South-South and North-Central regions.

“It is a colonial-era dream long forgotten, but President Tinubu has revived it, and construction is now underway. We must thank him immensely,” Umahi said.

He stressed that the project’s importance goes beyond transportation.

“The Trans-Sahara Superhighway is not just a road; it is an investment corridor that will catalyse trade in agricultural produce such as cassava, yam, cashew and palm oil from Cross River, Benue and Ebonyi, while also connecting Nigeria to Cameroon,” he said.

Read also: FG expands SE infrastructure with Abuja- Cross River Trans-Sahara superhighway

According to Umahi, Section One of the highway, originally designed as 118 kilometres but later extended to 123.6 kilometres, is being executed at a cost of N45 billion, with dualisation works progressing steadily.

He disclosed that Section Two, stretching through Benue and Kogi states to Nasarawa, has been awarded at a cost of N668 billion and has attained about 28 per cent completion in some sections.

“The project has reached about 28 per cent completion in some areas, with work continuing even during the rainy season because of the adoption of concrete road technology,” Umahi said.

He added that the use of concrete pavement is helping to sustain construction activity despite adverse weather conditions while providing greater durability for heavy commercial traffic expected on the corridor.

Umahi said the highway would serve as a major logistics route linking agricultural belts, industrial clusters and border trade routes.

“The Trans-Sahara Superhighway is not just connecting communities; it is creating an economic corridor through which goods, services and investments can move more efficiently across regions,” he said.

He further explained that several supporting projects are being developed alongside the superhighway to maximise economic benefits.

“The flyover connecting the Enugu-Abakaliki-Ogoja highway is a very critical one. Yes, the contractor has not been paid, but we are creditworthy. You should not stop because we want to see how we can commission the project by December this year,” Umahi said.

The inspection team visited the 1.3-kilometre Ndi-Egbe Bridge in Afikpo Local Government Area, which links Ebonyi and Cross River states and is expected to be completed in December 2026.

The delegation also inspected the N35 billion Onueke Flyover project, designed to decongest traffic along a key section of the economic corridor, as well as a completed concrete-pavement link road connecting communities in Ebonyi and Cross River states.

Chioma Nweze, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-East), said the scale of infrastructure investment currently underway in the region represents a significant shift in federal development priorities.

“We thank Mr President because this is the first time the South-East has been intentionally included in the scheme of things. We are seeing fulfilled promises and not promises yet to be fulfilled,” Nweze said.

She noted that improved connectivity would strengthen economic integration within the region and enhance access to national markets.

Francis Nwifuru, Governor of Ebonyi State, said state-level infrastructure investments are being aligned with federal projects to create broader economic impact.

“There is no local government that you will not see our projects. You can see that even the local governments are doing projects. Some did two to three kilometres. Some did four to five kilometres. You are also going to see it,” Nwifuru said.

He added that infrastructure expansion is taking place alongside investments in healthcare, water supply and housing.

“We have kept contractors busy in the state with projects spread across every local government area, from rural roads to primary health centres and water schemes. We do not even view the road projects as a big deal because we have road projects scattered all over the state,” Nwifuru said.

The governor also linked economic development to security, arguing that stable conditions are essential for attracting investment and facilitating trade.

“I assure you of the security and the neighbouring governments that have been secured by the government. Feel free. This is the safest state in this country. Since I became governor three years ago, I have never recorded one kidnapping case in this state,” he said.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said the inspection tour was intended to showcase infrastructure projects with long-term economic implications.

“We are here on behalf of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors. The Renewed Hope Ambassadors have been trying to showcase what the President has done in the last few years,” Onanuga said.

“We are not just here for the President but also here to showcase what the state government has done.”

Beyond the Trans-Sahara Superhighway, the delegation inspected the Vanco Flyover and Tunnel project in Abakaliki, the 23-kilometre Ezillo-Ezzagu Road, the 24-kilometre NigerCem Road, housing projects for displaced families and civil servants, and the redevelopment of the Ebonyi Trade Centre into a state-owned hotel.

Officials say the combination of highways, bridges, urban transport infrastructure and housing projects is expected to improve mobility, reduce logistics costs, stimulate commerce and position Ebonyi as a strategic gateway between Nigeria’s South-East, South-South and North-Central economic zones.