Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has commended indigenous contractors handling federal highway projects during an inspection of the Ndibe Bridge linking Ebonyi and Cross River states.
The minister said the performance of local construction firms reflects Nigeria’s growing engineering capacity and commitment to infrastructure development.
The inspection took place along the Calabar corridor of the Federal Government’s legacy road projects.
The corridor forms part of a broader highway network designed to strengthen transport connections between southern Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory.
The infrastructure initiative is part of national road projects intended to improve mobility, support regional trade and enhance economic integration across states.
According to officials, the project corridor will eventually connect several communities across the South South and Southeast regions, creating a major transport route for goods and passengers.
During the inspection, Umahi said several Nigerian contractors executing federal projects had demonstrated strong commitment by beginning work before receiving mobilisation funds.
“Many of these local contractors have shown remarkable patriotism. Some of them have not been mobilised with funds yet, but they are already working.
At least eight indigenous contractors under the Federal Ministry of Works are currently executing projects without mobilisation,” he said.
The minister noted that the road corridor begins from Calabar, extending through Ndibe Beach, Afikpo, Amasiri, and Onueke, before connecting to other transport routes in the South-East and South South regions.
He disclosed that Section One of the project covers about 125.5 kilometres and carries a contract value of approximately ₦454 billion.
The project is being executed under the Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Finance (EPC+F) model.
Under this arrangement, the Federal Government provides 30 percent of the funding, while contractors source the remaining 70 percent through financing.
Umahi also revealed that the road is being constructed using concrete pavement technology, which he said offers durability and can last for several decades with minimal maintenance.
The project includes major bridge infrastructure, such as a 25-span bridge measuring about 700 metres and another bridge estimated at 1.5 kilometres in length.
In Afikpo Local Government Area, the Ndibe Bridge project, estimated at about ₦55 billion, is designed to connect the area to the Calabar coastal highway corridor. Government officials said about ₦3 billion has already been released for the project.
The inspection highlights ongoing federal efforts to expand Nigeria’s road and bridge infrastructure.
Improved connectivity between Ebonyi and Cross River is expected to enhance regional transport and facilitate the movement of goods and services.
Officials also say the growing role of indigenous contractors reflects increased participation of local companies in large-scale infrastructure development.
