ABAKALIKI, NIGERIA — Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has issued a stern warning to contractors executing the Trans-Saharan Highway project, cautioning against the deployment of substandard materials, diversion of project funds, or any deviation from approved engineering specifications.
Governor Nwifuru gave the charge during an extensive on-site inspection of the 118-kilometre section of the trans-regional corridor, which spans key communities across Ebonyi State before connecting to Benue State.
The inspection tour covered critical alignment points, including the Ndibe Bridge in Afikpo, Abaomege in Onicha, Onueke in Ezza South, Ukwuachi in Ezza North, and Ishieke and Mbeke in Ebonyi Local Government Area, leading up to its terminus in Gboko, Benue State.
Key Operational Highlights
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118-Kilometre Corridor Inspection: The project covers major arterial routes across five local government areas in Ebonyi State, providing critical regional connectivity to Benue State.
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Zero Tolerance for Poor Workmanship: Governor Nwifuru instructed the main contractor, Infouest Construction Company Ltd, to strictly adhere to design specifications, warning against poor material mixes or structural shortcuts.
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Ukawuachi Flyover Integration: The federal and state project team inspected the site of a proposed multi-lane flyover at Ukwuachi, designed to eliminate traffic bottlenecks and enhance commuter safety along the transit hub.
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State Support for Evaluation: The Ebonyi State Government committed to resolving land access, community evaluation, and logistical bottlenecks to maintain construction velocity.
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Political Alignment: Citing ongoing federal infrastructure investments across the South-East, Nwifuru praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and urged regional stakeholders to support the administration’s policy trajectory.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ TRANS-SAHARAN HIGHWAY INSPECTION MATRIX │
├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ • Lead Authority : Governor Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi State) │
│ │
│ • Key Contractors : Infouest Construction Company Ltd │
│ (MD Mustapha Mohammad) │
│ │
│ • Oversight Body : Federal Ministry of Works │
│ (Federal Controller Engr. Maxwell Okoha) │
│ │
│ • Project Scope : 118km stretch (Afikpo - Onicha - Ezza South - │
│ Ezza North - Ebonyi LGA - Gboko, Benue) │
│ │
│ • Primary Objective: Regional transit upgrade, flyover construction, │
│ and strict engineering quality control │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘“Quality Will Not Be Sacrificed”
Speaking at the proposed Ukwuachi flyover site, Governor Francis Nwifuru emphasized that public funds must translate into durable, long-lasting infrastructure:
“Quality would not be sacrificed in the execution of the project… We caution against poor workmanship, substandard material mixtures, leakages, and diversion of project funds, stressing that the quality of the project must not be compromised.” — Governor Francis Nwifuru
Reaffirming state backing for smooth project execution, the governor added:
“When it comes to evaluation, our people are very cooperative. We will help you in this regard… I am also very excited about the activities of Mr. President, especially in the area of infrastructure. He knows and understands that the sole responsibility of the government is to provide basic amenities.” — Governor Francis Nwifuru
Responding to the executive charge, the Federal Controller of Works in Ebonyi State, Engr. Maxwell Okoha, assured that every structural phase—including the Ukwuachi interchange—meets federal engineering benchmarks. Similarly, the Managing Director of Infouest Construction Company Ltd, Mustapha Mohammad, stated that the firm would deploy adequate personnel and technical equipment to complete the highway on schedule.
Ayodele Quadri
Correspondent
