In March 2024, the Federal Government of Nigeria broke ground on what it proudly described as “the most ambitious road project in West Africa’s history”: the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

Also Read: FG assess properties along N1.06trillion coastal road project

Spanning approximately 700 kilometers across nine states and costing an estimated ₦15 trillion (about $11 billion), this mega-highway is designed to stretch from Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos, to the historic port city of Calabar in Cross River State.

At face value, this project looks like a ribbon of hope. If completed, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway could reshape Nigeria’s transport map, unlock dormant economies, boost tourism along the Atlantic shoreline, and stitch together communities that have long suffered from isolation and neglect.

But as with every mega-project in Nigeria, the dreams sit side-by-side with doubts. Can Nigeria pull this off? Or will it be another highway where politics overshadows concrete reality?

The Big Picture: Why This Highway Matters

Highways are more than just roads; they are lifelines of economies. For Nigeria, a country with weak logistics systems, overstretched ports, and a growing population of more than 220 million, transport corridors are crucial.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is envisioned to serve multiple purposes:

1. Economic Lifeline:
   • The nine coastal states, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River are not only culturally diverse but also economically strategic.
   • They host oil and gas reserves, seaports, agriculture belts, and growing industrial zones. A modern highway could cut haulage costs, improve supply chains, and attract investments.
2. Tourism Corridor:
   • From Lagos beaches to Tinapa in Calabar, Nigeria’s coastline holds untapped tourism gold. Accessibility via a fast, scenic expressway could open resorts, hotels, and entertainment hubs.
3. Regional Integration:
   • The road is not only about connecting Lagos to Calabar. It’s about linking communities along the coast to each other and to international trade. Nigeria’s ECOWAS neighbours could benefit, turning the highway into a continental connector.
4. National Unity Symbol:
   • Beyond economics, roads carry symbolic weight. For many Nigerians, the Lagos–Calabar highway is a dream that proves the government can think big and act boldly.

The Design and Scope: What We Know So Far

The Federal Ministry of Works describes the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a dual carriageway project that will span 700 km across nine states. Key features include:

• Section One (Pilot Phase):
  • A 47.47 km stretch from Ahmadu Bello Way in Victoria Island, Lagos to Eleko Village along the Lekki–Ajah corridor.
  • This section is already under construction, with concrete pavement technology being used for durability.
• Lane Structure:
  • Initially pitched as a 10-lane superhighway, sections have since been reduced to 6 lanes following rerouting and cost considerations.
• Funding:
  • A mix of government allocations, loans, and private sector involvement. In July 2025, Nigeria secured a $747 million syndicated loan led by Deutsche Bank to support the first phase.
• Timeline:
  • Section One was first scheduled for completion by May 2025 but has since been shifted to January 2026.

Voices from the Ground: Hopes and Concerns

Optimism

For traders in Lagos’s Lekki corridor, the project is a breath of fresh air. “If they finish this road, moving goods from Lekki Port will be faster. Right now, trucks spend days just trying to leave Lagos,” says Chike Ude, a logistics operator.

Similarly, in Calabar, hotel owners are excited. “Imagine tourists driving in comfort from Lagos to Calabar for the Carnival. It would be a new dawn for us,” remarks Gloria Effiong, who runs a mid-size hotel in the city.

Concerns

But not everyone is celebrating. Property owners along the corridor, especially in Lagos, have seen demolitions of buildings to make way for the highway. While the Federal Government claims to have paid billions in compensation, some residents argue they were shortchanged or not compensated at all.

Civil rights activist Inibehe Effiong questioned the transparency of contracts: “How can a project of this scale be awarded without open competitive bidding? Nigerians deserve clarity.”

The Global Lens: Learning from Other Mega Highways

To understand the scale of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, it helps to compare it with global peers:

• China’s G30 Expressway: Stretches over 4,200 km, linking Lianyungang to Kazakhstan, and cost billions but transformed trade routes.
• India’s Golden Quadrilateral: A 5,846 km network connecting major cities, credited with sparking India’s logistics boom.
• South Africa’s N1 Highway: Runs 1,940 km from Cape Town to the Zimbabwe border, a backbone for Southern Africa’s economy.

For Nigeria, the 700 km Lagos-Calabar project sits modestly among these but carries similar transformational potential, if managed well.

Government’s Defense: Not a Scam, Not a Waste

Amid criticisms, the Federal Government has stood its ground. Minister of Works David Umahi insists the project is neither a scam nor a waste. He argues that:

• Construction is proceeding in phases.
• Due process is followed.
• Compensation is being paid.
• The project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”.

Umahi even went as far as to invite skeptics to inspect progress on site, urging Nigerians to focus on the long-term benefits rather than short-term inconveniences.

What Completion Could Mean for Nigeria

If the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway reaches completion, its impact could be monumental:

1. Reduced Travel Time: Driving from Lagos to Calabar could take less than 8 hours, compared to the current 15+ hours via existing routes.
2. Lower Cost of Goods: Faster haulage = reduced fuel consumption = cheaper goods in markets.
3. Boost to Tourism: Resorts, hotels, and attractions along the coast could see a surge in visitors.
4. Job Creation: Construction alone is employing thousands, with more expected in hospitality, logistics, and trade sectors.
5. Regional Trade Integration: The corridor could become part of Africa’s wider trade backbone under the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area).

Road Ahead: Questions That Still Linger

Despite the optimism, many questions remain unanswered:

• Will Nigeria meet deadlines, or will the project drag for decades?
• How affordable will tolls be for ordinary Nigerians?
• Can transparency be guaranteed in financing and execution?
• Will the quality of construction hold up to the harsh coastal climate?

Conclusion: A Dream on the Horizon

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is more than asphalt and concrete. It is a statement of intent: that Nigeria can think boldly, dream of world-class infrastructure, and attempt to execute it.

Yes, there are controversies, cost concerns, and execution challenges. But if the project is completed and maintained, it could stand as a legacy of transformation, proof that Nigeria, too, can build highways that don’t just connect cities but also connect futures.

For now, Nigerians wait and watch, hoping the promise of smooth drives and connected communities will one day replace the reality of potholes and endless traffic jams.

In August 2025, communities in Akamkpa and Biase Local Government Areas, Cross River State, were abuzz with renewed hope, as Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, acting as Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), led an inspection of several road reconstruction projects, among which is the Okomita-Uyanga-Ehom road (sometimes referred to in media as Okom Ita-Uyanga-Ehom).

Also Read: Senate Committee Inspects Ongoing NDDC Road Projects in Cross River State

This stretch of road, measuring about 20 kilometres, connects multiple communities in Akamkpa and Biase LGAs. It has long suffered from neglect and decay, with potholes, flooding, narrow passages, and lack of proper drainage making travel difficult, especially during the rainy season.

Senator Ekpenyong’s involvement, through the NDDC’s Renewed Hope program, signals serious government commitment to turning this vital corridor into a durable, reliable artery for transportation, commerce, health, and everyday human activity. But what does the work involve, what progress has been made, what should local residents expect, and what challenges remain? This article lays it all out.

1. Who is Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong & What Is His Role

Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong represents Cross River South Senatorial District. Elected to the Senate in 2023, he is among the younger lawmakers in the 10th National Assembly.

As Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), he has oversight responsibility for the NDDC’s projects, ensuring accountability, inspecting progress, and liaising between communities, contractors, and government institutions. The committee’s mandate includes ensuring projects funded via NDDC are executed transparently, with proper quality, and with timely delivery.

2. Overview of the Okomita-Uyanga-Ehom Road Project

• Location & Scope: The road spans approximately 20 kilometres, connecting Okomita, Uyanga, and Ehom, traversing Akamkpa and Biase LGAs in Cross River State.
• Other Projects Inspected Simultaneously: Alongside this, the NDDC committee also inspected the 1.5 km Idundu Junction-Idundu Bridge Road in Akpabuyo LGA, and 10.8 km of the Aking-Osomba Road in Akamkpa.
• Contractor: Messrs Faith Plant Nigeria Ltd. is executing the project.
• Objectives: Rehabilitate the road, improve drainage, ensure durability, open up communities which have been cut off during rainy periods, reduce travel times, boost trade, facilitate access to markets, schools, healthcare, and generally improve the quality of life for residents along the corridor.

3. Why This Road Matters: Socio-economic and Human Impact

The importance of this road cannot be overstated. Below are key reasons why the Okomita-Uyanga-Ehom project is critical:

• Accessibility & Mobility: For years, poor road conditions, deep potholes, washed-off sections, poor gutters have hampered movement of people and goods. Difficult terrain during rainy seasons isolates communities, hindering school attendance, emergency healthcare access, and access to markets.
• Trade and Agriculture: Many communities along this route engage in subsistence and small-scale farming. With bad roads, transporting farm produce is expensive, perishable goods spoil, and market access is reduced. Improved roads boost incomes.
• Education and Health: Students and teachers traverse rough paths; ambulances and clinic supplies are delayed or damaged. Reliable road linkages improve response times for emergencies.
• Economic Multiplier: A good road opens up opportunities, businesses, services, supplies, commuters, logistics. Fuel costs lower, vehicle maintenance less frequent, time lost reduced, all contributing to economic benefit.
• Government Credibility & Community Trust: Successful delivery of this project under Senator Ekpenyong and NDDC helps build trust in public institutions, especially in the Niger Delta where communities often feel left out or neglected.

4. Key Players & Execution: Who’s Doing What

5. Progress Report: What Has Been Done

Based on the inspection reports and statements from the NDDC and Senator Ekpenyong:

• Physical inspection carried out by the Senate Committee and NDDC to assess current state and progress of works.
• Some earthworks, drainage works, and preparatory work (grading, removal of debris, bush clearing) are reported to be underway. (While precise stages weren’t always detailed, photos from the site and comments from officials hinted at visible initial works in many problematic sections.)
• Commitments by NDDC MD Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and Executive Director Projects Obong Victor Antai that quality will be maintained, transparency upheld, and that the project is considered a lifeline for commerce, agriculture, education, and healthcare.
• Full backing from Senate leadership. The leadership of the 10th Senate under President of the Senate, Senator God’swill Akpabio, is said to support this and similar infrastructure projects.

6. What Remains to Be Done & Projected Timeline

While work has begun, there is still much that remains before the road is fully serviceable:

• Complete all grading and earthworks for the full 20 km stretch. Some sections are worse than others and may need full rebuilding of subgrade.
• Construct or rehabilitate drainage systems: culverts, side drains, ensuring erosion control. Without proper drainage, road foundations degrade quickly.
• Paving / surfacing with asphalt (or other durable material) to make the road all-weather and reduce dust, mud, and travel delays.
• Installation of road furniture: signage, markings, guardrails where necessary, shoulders, possibly pedestrian walkways or safety zones near schools.
• Regular oversight and mid-project quality reviews to address defects early.
• Final testing and commissioning of road.

Projected Timeline: While no official completion date has been universally given in the public statements, the pace of work and the level of commitment (from inspection visits, oversight, NDDC statements) suggest that the project may take 12-18 months from the date of visible commencement to reach practical completion, assuming there are no major delays (rain, funding, logistical, land/right‐of-way).

7. Challenges & Risks Ahead

Even with high-level support, several challenges could stall or reduce the impact of the project.

1. Funding Delays or Insufficient Disbursement
   • Even though the NDDC is funding, there must be regular, full payments to contractor; delays can halt work.
   • Inflation could raise the cost of materials (bitumen, aggregate, etc.), making original budgets tight.
2. Weather and Climate & Environmental Factors
   • Heavy rain could delay paving, degrade earthworks, wash away drainage structures.
   • Erosion and flooding, if not properly managed, can damage new works.
3. Quality Control
   • Substandard materials or poor workmanship could lead to early road failure.
   • Monitoring must be consistent and ensure contractor compliance with required standards.
4. Land Acquisition / Right of Way Issues
   • Some stretches may pass through private farms, properties. Disagreements, compensation issues or delays could arise.
   • Utilities (power lines, water pipes) may need relocation.
5. Community Disruption
   • While construction is ongoing, residents may suffer from roadblocks, detours, dust, damage to vehicles, business disruption. Managing this will require good communication and mitigation.
6. Corruption & Accountability
   • As with many public works, there is a risk of cost inflation, kickbacks, misprocurement, or contracts awarded without full competitiveness.
   • Oversight from Senate Committee, NDDC, civil society, media will be essential to prevent misuse of funds.
7. Maintenance Post-Completion
   • Once finished, regular maintenance (especially drainage, patches, shoulders) must be budgeted; otherwise, road will deteriorate again.

8. Community Voices: Expectations, Concerns, and Hope

From interviews, reports and public statements, here are what residents along the route are saying:

• Many households are hopeful: “Finally, travel that used to take hours now may take minutes,” remarks about delivering goods to market smoothly, children going to school without getting shoes ruined, clinics and hospitals more reachable.
• Some are cautious: “We have seen promises before; what we need is asphalt, not dust,” says a trader in Uyanga.
• Local commuters and transporters believe fuel costs and vehicle maintenance will fall, poor roads mean more wear and tear, more fuel used, more time wasted.
• Concern over transparency: requests for published timelines, visible signage at work sites, periodic progress reports, involvement of local leaders.

9. Broader Implications for Cross River State & the Niger Delta

• Economic Growth: Improved roads such as Okomita-Uyanga-Ehom are vital to the Cross River economy — agriculture, tourism, trade. Cross River hosts tourist sites, farm zones; better roads enhance access and increase revenue.
• Linkages to Other Infrastructure Projects: Often roads are the missing piece in leveraging investment whether in agricultural processing, markets, health services, education. Enhanced road networks can unlock value across sectors.
• NDDC’s Renewed Hope Agenda: This project is one of many being inspected under NDDC’s renewed infrastructure push. Success here builds momentum to demand and deliver similar roads across Niger Delta.
• Political Capital / Public Trust: Senator Ekpenyong is staking political credibility on delivery. If executed well, this builds trust; if delayed, could erode it.
• Environmental & Safety Gains: Safer roads, less chance of accidents due to road failure; less dust, better air quality; less risk for pedestrians/motorcycles in bad weather.

10. RoadKing’s Analysis & Recommendations

In evaluating this project, here’s what seems promising and what needs extra attention, plus recommendations to ensure success.

What Looks Promising

• High-level oversight by Senate & NDDC; inspection tours show accountability.
• Identification of contractor and funding source (Faith Plant Nigeria Ltd. via NDDC).
• Clear benefits articulated by Senator Ekpenyong and NDDC leadership, including trade, health, education access.
• Communities are involved in inspections; local governments have roles.

What Needs More Focus

• Clear published timeline for completion, including interim deliverables (road usable, drainage, full paving).
• Transparent budget breakdown and public disclosure of payments to contractor.
• Regular updates to local communities to manage expectations.
• Ensuring environmental and drainage issues are properly handled, especially given heavy rainfall in the region.

Recommendations

1. Set up a Community Monitoring Structure: Local committees of community leaders, road users, local government reps to monitor progress, quality, and report issues.
2. Ensure Quality Materials: Use of correct grade bitumen, properly compacted subgrade, efficient drainage, good signage.
3. Stakeholder Engagement: Regular town hall meetings to inform about disruptions, alternate routes, expected finish-lines.
4. Environmental Safeguards: Adequate drainage to avoid flooding; erosion control, maintaining vegetation where necessary.
5. Maintenance Plan: NDDC / state government should plan for maintenance budgets post‐completion.

Conclusion

The Okomita-Uyanga-Ehom road rehabilitation project stands as a significant piece of the promise of development for communities in Akamkpa and Biase LGAs. Thanks to the facilitation of Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong and his work with the NDDC, there is real movement from rhetoric to action.

If carried out with honesty, quality, and community involvement, the road will deliver far-reaching benefits: faster trade, safer school runs, better health access, reduced transport costs, and stronger economic growth.

But the real test will be sustained commitment from contractor, from oversight agencies, from the political leadership to see the project through to finish, and not allow premature wear, neglect, or abandonment.

For the people of Uyanga, Okomita, Ehom and neighboring villages, this road could be more than asphalt, it could be an artery of hope.

On Friday, September 13, 2025, the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), a Chinese construction giant, officially broke ground on a major road reconstruction project in Rigasa, one of the most populous and infrastructure-challenged communities in Kaduna State, northwestern Nigeria.

Also Read: Stay Alive: Essential Road Safety Tips for Drivers

The project involves rebuilding a 7.2-kilometre road that encompasses four township roads within Rigasa. Governor Uba Sani emphasized that this road is part of his administration’s “rural revitalization agenda,” aimed at easing movement, boosting local economies, and improving the quality of life across Kaduna’s growing wards.

Below is an in-depth look at what the project means, its impact, the challenges, and why it matters for Rigasa and Kaduna State at large.

1. Project Overview

• Project Sponsor / Contractor: China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC)
• Location: Rigasa, Igabi Local Government Area, Kaduna State
• Scope: Reconstruction of 7.2 km of roads, including four township roads within the community.
• Objective: To address infrastructure deficit in Rigasa by improving connectivity and road conditions, reduce traffic congestion, and support economic and social activities.
• Groundbreaking Event: Held September 13, 2025. Governor Uba Sani commissioned the project.

2. Why Rigasa Road Matters

Rigasa is not just any community, it is one of the densely populated wards in Kaduna State. Some of the reasons this project is especially important:

• High Population Density: Rigasa is among the largest wards in Nigeria by population. That means many families depend daily on good roads for movement, trade, access to schools and hospitals.
• Poor Existing Infrastructure: For many years, towns in Rigasa have complained of bad roads, potholes, poor drainage, lack of proper surfacing, and streets that become muddy or impassable during rains. The infrastructure deficit has hurt commerce, slowed travel time, increased vehicle maintenance costs, and posed safety risks.
• Economic Activity: Rigasa hosts many small traders, farmers, service providers and civil servants. Better roads mean easier transport of goods, improved access to markets, and reduced loss of time and produce due to transit delays.
• Socio-connectivity: Roads link people to essential services, health centres, schools, postal services, the markets. For many children and patients, reaching facilities during emergencies has been a challenge during the rainy season or when roads degrade.

3. Goals & Expected Benefits

When the road is completed, the project is expected to deliver multiple advantages, including, but not limited to:

A. Improved Mobility & Traffic Flow

• Reduced travel time within Rigasa less congestion, quicker access from homes to workplaces or markets.
• Smoother traffic between township roads, meaning fewer diversions and less use of alternative poor roads.

B. Economic Upliftment

• Lower vehicle operating costs (less wear and tear, fuel saved by smoother journeys).
• More business activity easier movement of goods, increased patronage for local shops.
• Possible rise in property values in areas served by good roads.

C. Social Services Access

• Easier access to health care: ambulances or patients will find it easier to reach hospitals.
• Schools: smoother transport for pupils, staff, and supplies.
• Government services: local government offices, postal, utilities more accessible.

D. Safety & Quality of Life

• Rainy season resilience better drainage and more durable road surfaces reduce accidents, flooding, and loss of life/property.
• Pedestrian safety: township roads often include pedestrian traffic; better roads can include safer walking surfaces or shoulders.
• Reduced risks of traffic-related breakdowns, especially at night or in bad weather.

E. Symbolic and Psychological Impact

• Sense of being “seen” by government. For many residents who feel neglected, this signals investment and acknowledgment.
• Boosted morale and hope that other communities will receive similar attention.

4. Timeline, Funding & Execution Details

Timeline

• Kick-off: Groundbreaking held September 13, 2025.
• Phases: Rebuilding four township roads within the 7.2 km stretch. Work likely to be phased (design, drainage, surfacing, finishing).
• Completion Estimate: While no specific end-date was given in the Xinhua report, similar CCECC-led township road projects in Kaduna have ranged from 12 to 24 months depending on scope and funding. Based on past project scale, a completion window of 12-18 months is plausible, barring major delays.

Funding

• The project is part of Governor Uba Sani’s “rural revitalization agenda,” meaning it is sourced from state budgets or state/federal collaboration.
• It is executed by CCECC, which in prior collaborations with Kaduna State has handled both state-funded and mixed funding road projects.

Execution

• The contractor (CCECC) will likely use both local labour and ex-pat technicians/engineers, as is common in such projects. Though the exact labour composition for this project wasn’t confirmed in the report.
• Design work, drainage and foundation improvement will be crucial, especially in township roads that may not have had proper drainage before.
• Road surfacing materials, traffic control during work, compensation for affected property / landowners if right-of-way issues exist will likely come into play.

5. Local Reactions & Stakeholder Voices

From Government

Governor Uba Sani described Rigasa as having suffered “a worrying infrastructure deficit” despite the vitality of its citizens. He emphasized that this reconstruction contributes directly to improving livelihoods.

Government officials see this as an important marker in fulfilling campaign promises around infrastructure and rural/urban renewal. The road is also intended to connect better with other state road plans and integrate with Kaduna’s broader transport map.

From Residents

• Mallam Adamu Yisa, a local entrepreneur, said the project would make business easier: moving goods, receiving customers, transporting supplies will all be less costly and more predictable.
• Many residents who attended the ceremony reportedly feel relief and hope — “renewed hope” is how some described it.
• Some also raised concerns over how long they have waited, damage to their vehicles, costs incurred historically due to bad roads, and expectations that quality must be good so they don’t return to the same state in a few years.

From Observers / Experts

Urban planners and civil engineers generally agree: local roads and township roads are often neglected, yet they disproportionately affect the poorest and most vulnerable, because people rely heavily on them daily. A road like this helps reduce inequality.

Civil society groups may monitor whether compensation and land/right-of-way issues are handled fairly, whether contractors deliver quality materials, and whether the project adheres to environment and safety standards.

6. Challenges, Risks & Bottlenecks

Even promising projects like this one often face obstacles. For Rigasa’s road reconstruction, some likely challenges include:

A. Funding & Cost Overruns

• If the state budget is tight, delays in fund release can stall progress.
• Inflations in materials (cement, bitumen, steel) may lead to cost escalation.

B. Land & Right-of-Way Issues

• Township roads often run through densely populated areas. Some properties may be affected, requiring compensation. Delays can ensue if compensation is disputed.
• Utility lines (water, power) may need relocation.

C. Environmental & Drainage Problems

• Rigasa, like many Nigerian wards, may have flood-prone spots. Poor drainage design may cause flooding, undercutting road base, early road failure.
• Erosion control, stormwater flow must be part of the design.

D. Quality Assurance

• Ensuring materials meet specification (bitumen quality, sub-base compaction etc.)
• Ensuring contractors adhere to timelines, safety standards, safeguard pedestrian access etc.

E. Security & Social Disruption

• Construction may disrupt traffic, businesses, daily routines. Noise, dust, detours will affect residents.
• Security of workers and equipment must be considered, especially at night or in troubled areas.

F. Political & Bureaucratic Delays

• Approvals, permits, environmental impact assessments, local government coordination, will need to be navigated.
• Possible slowdowns due to political transitions, contractor mobilization delays.

7. Broader Implications for Kaduna’s Infrastructure Strategy

This Rigasa road reconstruction is not an isolated project. It ties into larger patterns and strategies in Kaduna State:

• Urban Renewal & Rural Transformation Agenda: Governor Uba Sani’s government has emphasized both rural and urban infrastructural improvements. As reported elsewhere, Kaduna has earmarked funds for roads across all 23 Local Government Areas, including compensation budgets to smooth project flow.
• Role of CCECC: This Chinese firm has been a long-standing partner in Kaduna State for road construction, urban renewal, etc. Their experience gives some confidence in delivery.
• Need for Connectivity: Kaduna is a major economic hub in Northern Nigeria. Improving internal roads helps reduce congestion on major highways, improves access to Abuja and other states, aids in inter-LGA commerce, and helps in agricultural supply chains.
• Job Creation & Local Participation: Road projects often create direct and indirect employment. If executed well, this project can support local economies (labourers, suppliers, traders) in and around Rigasa.

8. What Residents Should Expect During Construction

Residents of Rigasa should prepare for both positive changes and temporary inconveniences. Here are what to expect:

9. Monitoring, Accountability, and Sustainability

To ensure that the project delivers what is promised, the following measures are essential:

• Transparent Contracting and Oversight: Publish contracts, timelines, budgets; ensure state agencies monitor milestones.
• Community Stakeholder Engagement: Local leaders should be included in progress updates; feedback loops to report defects or delays.
• Quality Control & Independent Inspection: Use third-party evaluation (engineering consultants) to certify materials and construction standards.
• Maintenance Plan: Post-construction maintenance should be budgeted—drainage cleaning, road marking, pothole repair. A bad road quickly becomes another crisis if not maintained.
• Environmental and Social Safeguards: Ensure minimal disruption, manage runoff, protect drainage paths, avoid undue displacement.

Conclusion

The CCECC’s start of the Rigasa road reconstruction project comes at a critical time for Rigasa and Kaduna State. For years, residents have lived with inadequate infrastructure, struggling with poor roads, damaged vehicles, slow commerce, and difficulty accessing essential services. This 7.2-km project holds promise smoother rides, faster business, and evidence that government action, when it comes, can be transformative.

However, promise alone is not enough. Delivery, quality, maintenance, fairness, and community inclusion will determine whether this project becomes a lasting success or another short-lived public work that deteriorates with time. For Rigasa, it must be more than concrete and asphalt, it must be a road to dignity, prosperity, and improved daily life.

As Kaduna State moves ahead with this and other road initiatives, all eyes will be on the firm’s ability to keep to schedules, handle disruptions properly, and leave behind infrastructure that stands the test of heavy rains, heavy use, and time.