The Federal Government has announced plans to commission two critical sections of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway in Abia State before the end of 2025. This was disclosed by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, during a meeting with Abia State Governor Alex Otti in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, following an inspection of ongoing federal road projects in the state.
Senator Umahi revealed that the two sections set for commissioning are the Umuahia to Aba and the Port Harcourt to Aba routes, describing them as significant milestones in the South-East’s infrastructure development. He stated, “The Umuahia to Aba section, currently being constructed by Arab Contractors, is on track for inauguration in December, while the Aba to Port Harcourt lane will be ready for commissioning in November.”
The Minister commended Governor Otti for his proactive role in facilitating the removal of traders and waste along the Umuahia–Aba corridor, which had previously delayed construction works. Praising the governor, Umahi said, “He is a man with a golden heart and an example of how non-partisan collaboration can accelerate development.”
Further highlighting ongoing federal projects in the South-East, Umahi mentioned the Aba–Ikot Ekpene Road, Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road, and the newly awarded Afikpo Road. He also addressed the financial challenges facing the government, noting that President Bola Tinubu’s administration inherited 2,604 federal road projects valued at ₦13 trillion in 2023, with costs now exceeding ₦20 trillion.
In light of these financial constraints, Umahi urged state governments to take over certain federal roads, clarifying that such interventions would not be reimbursed. However, he encouraged states to toll rehabilitated federal roads to recoup investments.
Umahi also emphasized the growing support President Tinubu enjoys from South-East governors across party lines due to his commitment to delivering projects in the region. “The quantum of projects going on in the South-East is the same as that in all other geopolitical zones,” he said. “All the governors of the South-East are standing with the president because of his love for the region and their previous relationship. Nothing removes relationship, not even partisan politics.”
The Minister revealed that President Tinubu would soon visit Abia to inaugurate completed projects, including those on the Enugu-Port Harcourt corridor, describing the president as “a man of infrastructure” whose leadership is transforming Nigeria’s road network.
Governor Alex Otti responded by emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the state and federal governments in driving socioeconomic development. He praised the federal government’s support for infrastructure projects in Abia, including the newly completed Port Harcourt Road in Aba. Otti stressed that the focus of road rehabilitation should be on delivering benefits to the people regardless of the level of government executing the projects. He also highlighted the positive impact on trade, noting that freight forwarders reported that goods now move from the Rivers wharf to Aba in hours instead of days.
