Trans-Sahara Highway: Umahi directs contractors to minimise demolition of houses
Federal Minister of Works Urges Contractors to Limit Property Demolitions for Trans-Sahara Highway Project
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has instructed contractors involved in the Trans-Sahara Highway project to minimize the demolition of homes and other properties along the route.
Umahi delivered this directive during an inspection of the project over the weekend, emphasizing the government’s commitment to developing vital road infrastructure while reducing the impact on local communities.
He noted that Section One of the Trans-Sahara Highway spans approximately 123 kilometers from the Ebonyi axis to the Ebonyi-Benue boundary, while Section Two extends about 173.4 kilometers through parts of Benue, Enugu, and Kogi states to reach the Benue River and Nasarawa boundary. The total length of both sections amounts to around 300 kilometers. The completed highway is expected to substantially decrease travel time and significantly enhance connectivity across the affected regions.
Umahi highlighted the economic benefits the project would bring to the South-East, North-Central, and South-South regions. The highway is anticipated to strengthen agricultural supply chains, facilitate trade, and stimulate commercial activities.
“Improved road infrastructure along this corridor will also enhance security by allowing for easier movement of security personnel and improving connections between previously isolated communities,” he said.
The minister announced that Section One, currently in a single carriageway design, will later be expanded to include a second carriageway as part of ongoing infrastructure development under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Additionally, an approximately 8.9-kilometer bypass near Afikpo will be dualized as part of the broader initiative.
Despite facing financial constraints due to the extensive nature of infrastructure projects across the country, Umahi expressed confidence in the contractor’s commitment to completing Section Two. He assured stakeholders that the Trans-Sahara Highway will be finished by the end of President Tinubu’s second term.
Umahi also reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to upholding contractual and legal obligations in their infrastructure projects while addressing the needs of road users and host communities. He urged the public and media to conduct thorough investigations before commenting on complex engineering or legal issues related to such projects.
The minister appealed to residents to assist officials conducting enumeration and compensation exercises, assuring property owners that the government would honor its compensation duties where applicable.
He commended the support he has received from the people of Benue and other affected states, encouraging communities to maintain a peaceful environment for contractors and workers.
During the inspection, the traditional ruler of Ndiagu Ishieke Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Idenyi Agbo, praised the federal government for its ongoing construction efforts. He characterized the project as a significant initiative that could transform the economic landscape of the communities along the highway.
Moreover, Eze Agbo expressed gratitude to Umahi for considering the cultural heritage of host communities, particularly his decision to protect historical sites during construction. He signaled the community’s support for President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 elections.
For their part, project managers and engineering consultants associated with Section Two reiterated their commitment to minimizing disruptions as they implement the highway’s design. They are adapting project specifications to adhere to the directives laid out by Umahi.
Stakeholders continue to express optimism about the Trans-Sahara Highway’s potential to enhance economic activity and connectivity in the region. They called for cooperation among residents, contractors, and workers to ensure the successful completion of this significant infrastructure project.
