By Onu Okorie

Federal Government has ordered a review of parts of the alignment of the Calabar-Abuja Superhighway to prevent the demolition of buildings located along the proposed route, even as it directs contractors to accelerate work on the multibillion-naira project.
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, issued the directive during an inspection of Section Two of the highway at Ado in Benue State, ordering contractors to work around existing structures until the government determines whether portions of the alignment should be altered.
Umahi said no building should be demolished or otherwise affected by the ongoing construction, regardless of whether it falls within the current alignment.
“My directive is that no building should be touched. Even if it’s within the alignment, I have to come and realign it,” the minister said, directing contractors to continue construction around affected structures pending the review.
The decision introduces a potential adjustment to the construction plan for the highway, with the minister stressing that engineering decisions must take account of conditions on the ground and the impact of major infrastructure projects on communities.
The directive came alongside instructions for contractors to speed up work on Section Two, which covers 173 kilometers and has a contract value of ₦683 billion. Section One of the project is valued at ₦454 billion.
According to Umahi, the contractor handling Section Two has opened the first element of the initial eight-kilometer stretch, while engineers are working to resolve a technical challenge around the Ado Bridge.
Rather than wait for the bridge problem to be completely resolved before proceeding, the minister directed the contractor to open another section from the Ado River while engineers develop a solution for the crossing.
“I do not believe in engineering that anything is impossible,” Umahi said.
He also directed that at least three sections of the first element of Section Two should be opened simultaneously to increase the pace of construction. The minister said he would engage the project manager on the technical and practical measures required to keep work moving.
The emphasis on simultaneous construction comes as the ministry attempts to maintain momentum on the project while dealing with difficult terrain, including river crossings and other engineering challenges.
Umahi also directed that sharp curves along the highway be strengthened, regardless of what was contained in the original design. He said major infrastructure projects required experienced professionals capable of adjusting designs where actual conditions demanded changes.
The minister explained that the highway was being delivered under an EPC Plus Finance arrangement, under which variations were not provided for. He therefore stressed the need to manage quantities and resources carefully to avoid imposing additional costs on the Federal Government.
Despite the challenges, Umahi commended the contractor for the progress recorded since his previous inspection.
“From the last time we were here until now, he has done very well, and I’m very proud of what he’s doing,” he said.
The minister also disclosed that additional works were being undertaken under Section One, including the dualisation of the road at Onueke and work around Chainage 0 near Ndibe Beach, which he said were outside the initial scope.
The inspection also provided an opportunity for Umahi to defend the Federal Government’s wider infrastructure programme, particularly the distribution of projects in the South-East.
He rejected claims that he had concentrated Federal Government projects in the region, saying the projects were part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader infrastructure programme.
Umahi said Nigerians should assess the administration through projects being executed rather than promises of what would be done in the future.
The minister also referred to the Ebonyi State ring road, which he said was constructed during his tenure as governor after the state borrowed $150 million for the 199-kilometre project.
He argued that infrastructure investment should be viewed as the creation of long-term economic assets capable of improving connectivity and supporting economic activity.
The Calabar-Abuja Superhighway is expected to provide a major road connection across parts of the South-South, South-East and North-Central regions. The latest directive means construction will proceed while the government reviews sections where the existing alignment could affect buildings and surrounding communities.