By Angela Atabo
The Federal Government says the four legacy highway projects are progressing steadily, alongside approval of new road contracts to enhance connectivity and economic growth.
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi disclosed this at a news conference on Thursday, in Abuja.
Umahi said the projects were central to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at improving economic activities, integration and national development.
He said the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway remained a flagship project, with work progressing on sections across Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.
Umahi disclosed that Section One, from Victoria Island to Eleko Village in Lagos State, was progressing, while Section Two, from Eleko to Lagos-Ogun border, was about 60 per cent completed.
He said the section was expected to be substantially completed by November, with major bridge works ongoing, adding that the highway had been named President Bola Tinubu Coastal Highway.
The minister said other sections connecting Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Edo states were at various stages of design and procurement.
On the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Umahi said construction was ongoing across several sections, describing it as a project that would reduce travel time between northern and southern Nigeria.
He also highlighted progress on the Trans-Saharan Highway, which links Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Enugu and Kogi states to the Federal Capital Territory.
Umahi said work had begun on sections of the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Maiduguri Highway, while Tinubu approved an additional 400 kilometres to extend the corridor.
He described the extension as unprecedented, saying the project has grown from 800km to 1,100km following the presidential approval.
The minister announced approval for the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway using reinforced concrete pavement and expected to last between 50 years and 100 years.
He also disclosed approvals for the Lau Bridge in Taraba State, completion of the abandoned Ibi Bridge project and additional 400km of dual carriageway on the East-West Road corridor.
Umahi said contracts had been approved for the Oba-Nnewi-Oga-Ihube-Okigwe Junction Road and Otuocha-Anam-Ibaji Road linking Anambra, Imo, Abia and Kogi states.
He added that legacy highway projects would feature solar-powered streetlights, CCTV systems, emergency centres, rest areas and patrol facilities to improve safety.
The minister further said the Federal Government was reviewing the Third Mainland Bridge rehabilitation design and had approved replacement of the Carter Bridge.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi