By Francis Nwaze
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, under the proactive and visionary leadership of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, is driving a bold and far-reaching infrastructure transformation agenda. At the forefront of this effort are four landmark superhighway projects that are redefining national connectivity, strengthening regional economies, and reinforcing Nigeria’s unity.
While these legacy roads are attracting national and international attention, the administration’s vision extends far beyond them. On Friday, May 16, 2025, Senator Umahi disclosed that upon assuming office in 2023, President Bola Tinubu directed focused attention to 2,694 inherited projects across all geopolitical zones. In addition, 65 new projects have been initiated, and 260 palliative road intervention projects have already been completed nationwide.
In addition, the Minister highlighted that 440 major road infrastructure projects are currently ongoing nationwide. These projects, all approved under the directive of President Tinubu, are tailored to address strategic economic corridors, security routes, and regional transport needs.
Beyond these, there are several other road and bridge construction projects—running into the thousands—currently spread across all 36 states. These projects, varying in scope and size, further reveal the administration’s commitment to equitable infrastructure development and national integration.
The Four Landmark Road Projects
Among these widespread efforts, four superhighways have emerged as signature legacy projects, destined to become the backbone of Nigeria’s integrated road network:
1. The 750 km Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway
Traversing Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States, this project is a coastal powerhouse that will boost tourism, port logistics, and interregional commerce.
2. The 1,068 km Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway
Linking Sokoto through Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Ogun, and ending in Lagos (Badagry), this high-speed corridor will enable efficient agricultural and goods transportation from the far North to the Atlantic coast.
3. The 465 km Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Nasarawa–Abuja Superhighway
Connecting Cross River, Ebonyi to Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and ending in the Federal Capital Territory, this strategic corridor will drastically reduce travel time between Calabar and Abuja while boosting agro-industrial development along its path.
4. The 439 km Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Highway
Connecting Nassarawa, Kaduna, Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States, this project is designed to support internal trade, link mineral-rich zones, and enhance movement across northern Nigeria.
Together, these legacy roads cut across over 20 states and touch all six geopolitical zones. They will: Facilitate seamless movement of people and goods, Lower logistics and transport costs, Connect seaports to production and consumption centers, Strengthen national security and military mobility, and Expand regional trade with ECOWAS neighbors
The adoption of rigid concrete pavement—a hallmark of Senator Umahi’s engineering background—is ensuring longer road lifespans and maximizing the use of local materials like cement and granite. This innovation also empowers Nigerian contractors and creates thousands of jobs in construction and supply chains.
The combined impact of the 260 completed palliative road projects, 440 ongoing infrastructure works, four landmark superhighways, and the thousands of other strategic projects scattered across the federation is truly historic. Under President Tinubu’s directive and the technical leadership of Senator Umahi, the road sector is being reengineered as the engine of national growth.
These roads are not just physical assets—they are arteries of unity, commerce, security, and hope. As they connect Nigeria with unmatched speed and scale, they are laying the foundation for an era of economic stability, inclusive development, and national renewal.
Indeed, Nigeria is on the move—and these roads are lighting the way.