FG targets 2031 completion for Trans-Saharan Highway

The Federal Government of Nigeria has set its sights on completing the Trans-Sahara Superhighway by 2031, with the goal of boosting connectivity, security, agriculture, and commerce along its route. According to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, the highway comprises various sections, including Section One, which spans 123 kilometres from Ebonyi to the Ebonyi-Benue boundary, and Section Two, which measures approximately 173.4 kilometres through Benue, Enugu, and surrounding states.

Umahi highlighted that the ongoing projects on these sections are projected to be finalized by 2031, contingent upon continued implementation and administrative stability. The combined length of Sections One and Two would total nearly 300 kilometres, enabling better integration between communities and improved access across the corridor.

This enhanced road connectivity would yield significant economic benefits, particularly in enhancing security, agricultural productivity, and trade. The highway would facilitate the transportation of agricultural products from key farming regions in Benue, Ebonyi, and Enugu to markets, thereby alleviating the challenges associated with cross-state goods transport.

Additionally, the Federal Government is concurrently executing other infrastructure projects along the corridor, such as the 8.9-kilometre Afikpo bypass in Ebonyi State, which is being dualised. However, funding constraints pose a significant challenge, as the government lacks sufficient resources to execute all projects simultaneously.

Consequently, the pace of implementation hinges on the availability of government resources. Umahi also called upon host communities to collaborate with contractors by granting access to borrow pits and facilitating the valuation of crops and properties impacted by construction. He assured property owners that compensation would be provided where necessary and praised the contractor for maintaining progress despite the rainy season.

The Trans-Sahara Highway has undergone adjustments in scope and financing as the Federal Government refines its plans for the project's development. It was initially listed among four projects, alongside the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Abuja-Kano Road, and Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Road. The latest reports indicate that Section One has progressed to about 123 kilometres from Ebonyi to the Ebonyi-Benue boundary.

The government has previously sought external financing to support the construction of major highway projects, including the Trans-Saharan corridor. The Trans-Sahara Superhighway is anticipated to bolster road connectivity between communities and states along its path while facilitating the movement of agricultural produce and other goods.

As such, the project's success hinges not only on construction progress but also on sustained funding and uninterrupted implementation efforts through the targeted 2031 completion date.