Trans-Saharan highway project will drive growth in South-East, says TDF

The Democratic Front (TDF), a political support group, has said the ongoing Trans-Saharan Superhighway project will drive economic growth and expand trade opportunities across the South-East region.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Mallam Danjuma Muhammad, and secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo, the group commended President Bola Tinubu for initiating the 123.6-kilometre project, which it described as a strategic investment in regional development and national connectivity.

According to TDF, the N668 billion highway, which stretches from Ebonyi State through parts of the South-South and North-Central regions, will enhance commerce, ease transportation and strengthen economic integration among the connected states.

The group said the scale, cost and economic significance of the project make it one of the most important infrastructure initiatives ever undertaken in the South-East.

TDF noted that the Minister of Works, David Umahi, had described the highway as a colonial-era infrastructure vision that successive administrations failed to execute because of funding challenges and lack of political will.

It added that beyond facilitating trade, the road would improve the movement of goods and people while promoting social and cultural interactions among communities across the corridor.

“The scale and huge cost of the project, coupled with the economic relevance of that corridor to the people and commerce of the South East, make it one of the most important infrastructural projects ever implemented by any government in the region,” the statement said.

The group also highlighted the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) as evidence of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to the region and urged residents to continue supporting ongoing development initiatives.