Tinubu approves 400km expansion of Fourth Legacy Highway
President Bola Tinubu has approved the extension of the Fourth Legacy Highway by an additional 400 kilometres, increasing the project's total length from about 700 kilometres to approximately 1,100 kilometres, Minister of Works David Umahi has announced.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Umahi said the latest approvals also include the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway using reinforced concrete pavement, completion of the long-abandoned Ibi Bridge in Taraba State, construction of the 5.76-kilometre Lau Bridge across the Benue River, and the dualisation of an additional 400 kilometres of the East-West Road.
The minister described the approvals as a major boost to the Federal Government's infrastructure renewal programme, aimed at improving connectivity, stimulating economic growth and strengthening national integration.
Umahi disclosed that President Tinubu approved the additional 400 kilometres for the Fourth Legacy Highway on Wednesday, describing the expansion as unprecedented.
According to him, the extension will stretch into Taraba State, enhancing transport links between the North-Central and North-East regions. He said the route will pass through several historic communities before terminating in Taraba.
The Fourth Legacy Highway was originally designed as a dual carriageway connecting Akwanga in Nasarawa State to Maiduguri in Borno State through Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe and Biu. The new extension will further expand the corridor into Taraba State.
Umahi also announced presidential approval for the complete reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway after sections of the road began deteriorating less than five years after rehabilitation.
He said the 135-kilometre dual carriageway has continued to experience structural failures despite repeated maintenance efforts, adding that the government has opted for reinforced concrete pavement because of its durability.
According to the minister, the new pavement is expected to last between 50 and 100 years with minimal maintenance.
Taraba Bridges Receive Approval
The minister revealed that President Tinubu approved the completion of the Ibi Bridge project in Taraba State, which was awarded in 2018 but abandoned after reaching about 40 per cent completion.
He also announced approval for the design, procurement and construction of the 5.76-kilometre Lau Bridge across the Benue River, describing both projects as critical to improving transportation in the state.
Umahi further disclosed that the President approved the dualisation of an additional 400 kilometres of the East-West Road corridor stretching from Lokoja to Benin.
He said the project is expected to improve road safety, ease movement of goods and people, and reduce travel time along one of Nigeria's busiest transport corridors.
In another announcement, Umahi said the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has been renamed the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Coastal Highway.
He explained that the Ministry of Works took the decision in recognition of Tinubu's vision for the project, noting that the President first conceived the idea nearly three decades ago while serving as Governor of Lagos State.
Providing updates on the 750-kilometre coastal highway, Umahi said construction is progressing across multiple sections.
He noted that the 47.47-kilometre first section, stretching from Victoria Island to Eleko Village in Lagos State, is being developed as a dual carriageway with a 25-metre median reserved for a future railway line.
The second section, from Eleko Village to the Lagos-Ogun boundary, has reached about 60 per cent completion and is expected to be substantially completed by the end of November, except for some complex bridge works.
Umahi added that Section Three, covering 75 kilometres from Calabar, is about 30 per cent complete, while Section Four, an 82-kilometre stretch through Ogun and Ondo states, has attained roughly 20 per cent completion. Work is also progressing on the 180-kilometre Section Five in Akwa Ibom State.
The minister also highlighted ongoing construction on the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway and the Trans-Sahara Highway, saying both projects will improve regional connectivity, facilitate trade and support economic development.
The Federal Government's Legacy Projects include the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Trans-Sahara Highway and the Akwanga-Maiduguri Highway, all of which form part of the Tinubu administration's infrastructure development agenda.
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