Trans-Sahara Highway: Minister gives new orders to save buildings, more

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, on Saturday, directed a review of the design of Section Two of the Trans-Sahara Highway to minimize the demolition of buildings and other properties along the road alignment.

Umahi gave the directive during an inspection of the ongoing project, assuring communities along the corridor that the federal government would take measures to protect their properties while ensuring the successful construction of the road.

He said the project team had been asked to avoid the structures as much as possible, while affected properties and crops would be properly assessed and owners compensated where necessary.

“No one will touch your building,” Umahi told members of the host community, urging them to work with contractors and the project management team to facilitate construction.

The minister said the project is especially important for communities that have never benefited from federal road infrastructure, noting that the highway would improve transportation, ease the movement of agricultural products and stimulate trade through the corridor.

According to him, section two of the Trans-Sahara Highway covers approximately 173.4 kilometers, although the final length may vary slightly following the ongoing project review.

The project’s design consultant, Eng. Akelapa Edra, said the review was undertaken in line with the minister’s directives, adding that measures were being incorporated to avoid properties and structures along the alignment.

Akelapa said some culverts in the original project would be converted into bridges as part of efforts to reduce the project’s impact on communities.

“We are reviewing the draft and incorporating all directions and instructions given by the Honorable Minister,” he said, adding that the measures are reflected in the revised draft.

The traditional ruler of Ndiagu Ishieke Autonomous Community in Ado Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, His Royal Highness Eze Idenyi Agbo, has commended the Federal Government for the project, especially Umahi for ensuring that his palace was not demolished.

Eze Agbo described the minister’s approach as proof that infrastructure development could be pursued without unnecessarily weakening the cultural heritage of host communities, while promising community cooperation with the project team.

Also, a member of the community, Chief Patrick Agbo, commended the Federal Government for the intervention, describing the road as capable of transforming economic activities in the area.

He urged residents and youths to protect construction workers and equipment and declared support for the APC in the 2027 elections.