Minister of Works, David Umahi, unveiled exciting developments for the Abuja-Lagos highway during a recent press conference on Saturday, September 23. He announced that the ambitious project, spanning 470 kilometers and known as the Abuja-Lagos Greenfield superhighway, is set to be completed by 2027, boasting a lifespan of a remarkable 100 years.
What’s even more intriguing is that this highway will be constructed entirely by a private sector consortium, with no financial burden on the government.
Umahi went on to explain that the consortium will not only oversee the construction but also operate the highway under a build, operate, and transfer agreement for an as-yet-undetermined duration. To facilitate the recovery of their investment, the highway will feature toll points strategically placed along its length.
“When I first introduced this project to the public, skeptics questioned its feasibility, doubting that we could reduce the travel time from Lagos to Abuja from 14 hours to just four and a half hours,” Umahi said. “However, this is now the renewed hope of Mr. President, who has approved the fast-tracking of this monumental undertaking.”
The highway’s design is impressive, with each of its two lanes transformed into a two-carriage way, measuring a substantial 14 meters in width. Its structural integrity is assured, as it will be built using 275-millimeter thick concrete. In terms of durability, Umahi emphasized that this project is intended to last for a century, an ambitious vision that is set to become reality within four years.
To support this endeavor, numerous bridges will be constructed, and the tolling points will serve as avenues for investors to recoup their financial commitment. Importantly, the government will not contribute any funds directly, but will extend support in various ways to ensure the project’s success. Furthermore, the use of concrete, instead of traditional asphalt, is being encouraged, as concrete roads are not only more cost-effective but also offer greater predictability in terms of construction expenses.
Umahi also shared plans to transform the Abuja-Lagos highway into a thriving business and industrial corridor, complete with hotels, factories, and housing estates, promising to unlock immense economic potential for the region.
