The first section of the Lagos-Calabar highway to be completed this year. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Nigeria's Hitech Construction Company is powering on with work on the first section of the Lagos-Calabar highway project, with the initial stretch set to be completed by the end of 2025, Minister of works David Umahi said in an update this week

Work began last year on the 700-km coastal highway project that will run from Victoria Island, Lagos to Calabar in Cross River State.

The first phase of the project, led by local contractor Hitech Construction Company, stretches 47 km out of Lagos towards Calabar.

The full project, which will connect the western and south-eastern regions of Nigeria, passing through a number of other states including Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom State, before ending in Calabar, is scheduled for completion in eight years’ time.

Sections three and four of the highway are expected to commence from Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, respectively.

In May 2024, President Tinubu said the Lagos-Calabar highway project would provide direct employment for thousands of people and indirect jobs for tens of thousands.

He added that it would also open economic opportunities for millions of others across the south of the country, providing faster travel times and access to new trade centres and markets.

Umahi provided his latest update during an inspection of works on another major highways project, the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano dual carriageway.

He said in a statement published on the Federal Minister of Works website that the Abuja-Kano road was also of the utmost importance to Nigeria because of its economic value to the country.

“We are committed to ensuring its timely completion,” he said.

At the start of March, that included work to begin laying an eight-inch continuous reinforced concrete pavement, Umahi added.

The major highways programme is also providing a boost to Nigeria's construction sector.

“The Federal Government remains resolute in its commitment to quality infrastructure development, ensuring that all projects under the Ministry’s supervision must meet the highest standards and be completed on schedule,” said Umahi.

The government recently mandated that contractors must work on-site for at least two weeks before receiving mobilisation fees in a bid to ensure that only dependable and committed firms take on major road projects to reduce cases of abandoned construction sites.

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Bobcat’s 1-2t Mini Excavator range delivers dependable performance for any job. (Image source: Bobcat)

Bauma 2025 will mark the global debut of Bobcat’s latest advancements in compact equipment, including its groundbreaking 1-2 t mini excavators and the upgraded E88 mini excavator, the flagship model in Europe

The event will also highlight Bobcat’s pioneering technologies shaping the future of construction sites. Visitors can experience innovations transitioning "from concepts to customers," such as the RogueX and RogueX2 autonomous loader prototypes, the TL25.60e electric telehandler concept, and an array of electric machines, including the T7X and S7X compact loaders and the E10e and E19e electric mini excavators.

Bobcat’s new 1-2 t mini excavators build on the success of previous models, with over 34,000 units already sold. Following three years of development and incorporating more than 500 new components, these machines will be introduced to the European, Middle Eastern, and African (EMEA) markets later this year. The extensive design process involved a team of over 50 engineers and designers, who gathered insights from more than 80 customer visits and conducted ride-and-drive sessions with operators. With over 20,000 hours dedicated to testing and validation, Bobcat ensured these excavators meet the highest standards.

The next-generation models—E16, E17z, E19, and E20z—bring enhanced performance, a modernized design, and advanced features previously found only in larger excavators. These upgrades cater specifically to the needs of EMEA customers.

Advanced engine and load-sensing hydraulics

At the core of the new 1-2 t mini excavators is an advanced powertrain, integrating a high-performance, upgraded engine with a new load-sensing hydraulic system. This closed-centre, flow-sharing system—typically reserved for larger excavators—delivers exceptional efficiency and precision.

"The brand-new hydraulic system allows operators to smoothly operate multiple functions simultaneously. Even when operating attachments that demand substantial hydraulic power, such as a flail mower, operators can now seamlessly perform multiple functions simultaneously. This includes driving, slewing, and lifting with smooth precision," remarked Robert Husar, product line director for Bobcat in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Enhanced E88 mini excavator

Alongside the 1-2 t mini excavators, Bobcat will also unveil a refined version of its E88 9 t mini excavator. This upgraded model improves operator comfort, enhances the fit and finish, and introduces additional standard features, with multiple predefined configurations available.

"The increased level of operator comfort results from the use of the Fritzmeier cab, also utilised on Bobcat’s popular E60, 6 t mini excavator model. This cab offers improved window and windscreen opening and closing, reduced noise and vibrations, as well as additional standard features and options. These include Direct to Tank and an intermittent wiper – standard in all configurations; a rear-view camera – optional for machines with a 7-inch display; and a new Radio FM/AM/DAB/Phone Ready function – included in some specifications as standard," explained Husar.

Pioneering innovation

As an industry leader, Bobcat continues to push the boundaries of construction equipment technology. The company recently introduced the TL25.60e, an electric telehandler concept designed to match and exceed the performance of its diesel-powered equivalent while delivering zero emissions for a more sustainable solution.

Bobcat’s electric mini excavators are available globally, enabling operators to work efficiently in environments where emissions are restricted, such as indoor spaces or environmentally sensitive sites. In North America, Bobcat also offers the T7X all-electric compact track loader, designed for high efficiency and versatility, alongside a zero-turn electric mower tailored for landscaping and groundskeeping.

At Bauma, Bobcat will also showcase groundbreaking concepts like the RogueX2, an autonomous compact loader, and the S7X, the world’s first all-electric skid-steer loader. These innovative machines remain in the research and development phase, reflecting Bobcat’s commitment to shaping the future of construction equipment.

Also read: Bobcat R-Series Waste Expert telehandlers prove their worth

The project will improve transport links in Chad. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

A major section of road in Chad is set for an upgrade after securing pivotal grant financing worth US$45mn from the African Development Bank (AfDB)

It unlocks further financial support from the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), which will fund the second section of the 205-km Mayo-Singako-Am Timan road at an estimated cost of US$275.5mn.

It will see the asphalting of the 49.5-km Kyabé-Mayo section of the Kyabé-Singako road, including the construction of a 55-metre bridge.

The road project will open up southern and eastern regions of landlocked Chad, reduce vulnerability and strengthen the resilience of local populations, especially women and young people, the AfDB said in a statement.

It will also improve the transportation of goods and people between Kyabé and Singako by providing an all-weather road, facilitating the flow of agricultural and animal products from the rich areas of Moyen-Chari and Salamat to the consumer centers of Sarh, Moundou, N’Djamena and Abéché.

The project will also enhance accessibility to Moyen-Chari from neighbouring Sudan.

“The [Moyen-Chari] region, including Kyabé, Singako and Am Timan, has strong economic potential,” said Tahir Hamid Nguilin, Minister of State for Finance, Budget, Economy, Planning and International Cooperation.

“It is Chad’s main agricultural basin and livestock area, rich in fish resources. Fish are supplied from Moyen-Chari to a large part of the country's south and even to foreign markets.”

Nguilin signed the grant agreement in N’Djamena with the AfDB and other officials.

The Kyabé-Mayo section of the Kyabé-Singako road is described as one of the ‘missing links’ in the N’Djamena-Moundou-Sarh-Kyabé-Am Timan-Abéché corridor and forms part of the priority structuring network that Chad’s government aims to develop to ensure nationwide coverage and permanent accessibility.

Work on the road project is now scheduled to run from this year through to 2029, providing a boost to local construction firms and contractors.

“The African Development Bank is a strategic partner of Chad, particularly in the transport sector,” said Claude N’Kodia, the bank’s acting representative in Chad.

“The construction of the road section will reduce the overall cost of transport in Moyen-Chari…and improve the living conditions of local people thanks to easier access to health and education facilities and to the country’s main consumer centres.”

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SkyJacks will supply ALR equipment across southern Africa (IIMAGE SOURCE: Adobe Stock)

SkyJacks has penned an exclusive distribution deal with Atlas Lifting and Rigging (ALR) covering Southern Africa

The strategic partnership, formalised late last year, enables SkyJacks, a leader in access, lifting and handling solutions, to distribute a range of ALR chain hoists, lever hoists and heavy-duty trolleys.

The products are designed to meet the stringent demands of sectors such as mining, engineering and construction.

According to SkyJacks managing director, Alistair Bennett, the partnership reflects a joint dedication to delivering high-quality lifting solutions tailored to the region’s needs.

“Being the exclusive distributor of ALR products in southern Africa is evidence of SkyJacks' commitment to providing industries such as mining, construction and engineering with premium, time-tested lifting gear," he said.

"This relationship not only brings greater operational effectiveness and safety but also ensures our customers have access to unparalleled local assistance, training and servicing throughout the product lifecycle."

With stock now readily available, businesses in these and other sectors can enhance their operational safety, productivity and cost-efficiency, he added.

ALR products meet SANS 1594 and SANS 1636 safety standards, ensuring they perform reliably even in tough conditions.

Its chain hoists offer precise and secure lifting for heavy loads, especially in areas without easy access to power.

Lever hoists are ideal for pulling, lifting, and positioning tasks in demanding environments.

With capacities ranging from 0.5T to 20T, ALR’s heavy-duty trolleys adapt easily to I-Beams, H-Beams, A-Frames, and various track systems, giving businesses great flexibility.

In order to provide availability across southern Africa, SkyJacks is leveraging its extensive distribution network, including strategically-located regional warehouses.

The company is also expanding its network of authorised resellers across countries within the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) region to enhance product availability in key markets.

SkyJacks also plans to invest in online platforms to enable customers to view product information, get quotations and purchase equipment, making procurement simpler.

"Through addressing these priority areas, SkyJacks will establish ALR as the southern African standard for lifting and rigging solutions," said Bennett.

In the future, he said the company aims to enhance and grow the ALR product line as the market evolves.

Future initiatives involve developing and implementing training programmes to help customers use and maintain products and enhancing customer service delivery to assist clients throughout their product lifespan.

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