FG Submits ESIA Draft Report to Ado LGA, Opens 21-Day Public Review for Trans-Saharan Highway Project

By Onwe Wisdom Pan Afric Reporters

The Federal Ministry of Environment has officially delivered the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Draft Report for the proposed 156-kilometre Benue–Kogi section of the Trans-Saharan Highway to Ado Local Government, calling for public scrutiny and contributions in line with national environmental laws.

The move, according to the Ministry, in a media report e-signed by the Principal Private Secretary to Ado LGA Chairman, Innocent Igelle is in strict compliance with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act Cap E12 LFN 2004, which mandates environmental assessments for major developmental projects across the country.

Representing the Honourable Minister of Environment, Shittu Hussain disclosed the development during a formal presentation to the Chairman of Ado Local Government, Engr. Sunny Oche. Hussain confirmed that a Twenty-One (21) Working Days Public Display Exercise has been approved for the project.

According to the Ministry’s letter, the assessment covers the Benue–Kogi section of the Trans-Saharan Highway, which forms part of the broader 477km Calabar–Abuja Super Highway. Out of this stretch, 156km traverses communities across Benue and Kogi States.

“The general public is hereby informed that the Draft EIA Report is currently on display at an accessible location within the Ado Local Government Headquarters, Igumale, for public inspection and input,” the Ministry stated.

Public Display Details:

• Location: Ado Local Government Headquarters, Igumale
• Period: November 3 – December 1, 2025
• Time: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. daily

Citizens are urged to submit their observations and comments, which will be compiled and forwarded to the Honourable Minister of Environment at the Ministry’s headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja, on or before December 8, 2025.

Ado LGA Chairman, Engr. Sunny Oche, encouraged stakeholders, community members, and civil society to take advantage of the public display period, emphasising that community involvement is key to sustainable development.

According to him, “local government involvement is critical in ensuring that developmental projects are sustainable, transparent, and aligned with community needs.” He added that “participation in the EIA process helps integrate local expertise, build public trust, and enable communities to voice their concerns, thereby fostering accountability and preventing potential conflicts of interest in project-affected areas.”