N668bn Superhighway Will Transform South-East Economy, Says TDF

Tinubu Opening South-East to Vast Trade Opportunities Through Trans-Saharan Superhighway, Says TDF

The Democratic Front (TDF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for opening up the South-East geopolitical zone to vast trade and economic opportunities through the ongoing construction of the 123.6-kilometre Trans-Saharan Superhighway.

The group described the project, which stretches from Ebonyi State through parts of the South-South region to Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa states, as a transformative infrastructure initiative capable of reshaping commerce and connectivity across Nigeria.

In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Mallam Danjuma Muhammad, and Secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo, TDF said the President's decision to undertake the project demonstrates remarkable foresight and commitment to inclusive national development.

According to the group, although several road projects are ongoing in the South-East, the scale, strategic importance, and estimated cost of N668 billion make the superhighway one of the most significant infrastructure projects ever executed in the region.

"It is noteworthy that the Minister of Works, David Umahi, revealed that the project was originally conceived during the colonial era but remained unrealised for decades due to inadequate funding and lack of political will," the statement noted.

TDF added that beyond its economic significance, the highway would facilitate smoother interstate movement, boost regional integration, and strengthen social and cultural ties among Nigerians across the connected states.

The group maintained that President Tinubu has consistently prioritised the development of the South-East since assuming office.

It cited the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) and the release of N140 billion as take-off funding as evidence of the administration's commitment to addressing long-standing developmental challenges in the region.

"We recall that the President established the South East Development Commission and provided substantial funding to enable it address developmental deficits that have persisted since the end of the civil war," the statement said.

TDF further argued that the scale of developmental interventions witnessed in the South-East under the Tinubu administration has surpassed those of previous governments.

It therefore praised the President for ensuring an equitable distribution of development projects across the country's geopolitical zones, irrespective of political considerations.

The group also attributed the government's infrastructure drive to the fiscal gains from key economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange rates.

While urging continued public support for the administration, TDF expressed confidence that ongoing projects such as the Trans-Saharan Superhighway would significantly enhance economic growth, regional integration, and national prosperity upon completion.