… as Ebonyi’s Mega Highway Takes Shape
By Rhoda Godwin
For many residents of Ebonyi and neighbouring Benue State, the long hours spent navigating bad roads may soon become a thing of the past. Markets, schools, hospitals and businesses stand to benefit as work progresses on the ambitious Trans-Saharan Highway, a project expected to transform movement across communities and strengthen regional trade.
During an inspection tour of the 118-kilometre highway on Tuesday, Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, urged contractors to put quality above speed, insisting that the road must be built to the highest engineering standards.
The governor visited sections of the highway stretching from Ndibe Bridge in Afikpo through Abaomege, Onueke, Ezza South, Ukwuachi, Ezza North, Ishieke and Mbeke before connecting to Gboko in Benue State.
At the proposed flyover in Ukwuachi, where heavy traffic has long frustrated commuters, Nwifuru said the project represents more than a road—it is an investment in the future of the people.
He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving major infrastructure projects in the South-East, describing the development as a significant step toward rewriting the region’s infrastructure story.
“The President understands that the primary responsibility of government is to provide basic amenities,” the governor said. “The people of Ebonyi State are grateful for the love and commitment he has shown through these projects.”
Beyond expressing appreciation, Nwifuru stressed that quality must never be compromised. He warned the contractors against poor workmanship, substandard materials, leakages and any diversion of funds that could undermine the integrity of the project.
According to him, the state government will work closely with host communities to ensure smooth execution of the project, particularly in matters relating to land evaluation and other issues that could delay construction.
The governor also renewed his appeal to the Igbo people to unite and support President Tinubu’s bid for a second term, arguing that continued support would help sustain infrastructure development in the region.
Providing technical insight during the inspection, the Federal Controller of Works in Ebonyi State, Engr. Maxwell Okoha, explained that the flyover component was deliberately included to reduce congestion, improve traffic flow and make transportation safer for motorists and pedestrians.
He assured the governor that construction would strictly follow approved engineering specifications.
Responding, the Managing Director of Infouest Construction Company Limited, Mr. Mustapha Mohammad, pledged that the company would deliver the project in line with the required standards and within the expected timeframe.
For residents whose daily lives depend on safe and accessible roads, the success of the Trans-Saharan Highway is expected to mean shorter travel times, easier movement of farm produce, increased economic opportunities and stronger connections between Ebonyi and neighbouring states. As construction continues, many hope the project will stand as a lasting legacy of quality infrastructure rather than another road that quickly falls into disrepair.
