Ikwuano Community Endorses Abia State's Road Intervention Amid Federal Delays
Indigenes of Ikwuano in Umuahia have expressed strong support for the Abia State Government's intervention in the Umuahia–Ikwuano–Ikot Ekpene Road project. This backing comes after years of delays and what locals describe as uncoordinated construction efforts on this critical infrastructure.
Federal Claims Questioned by Local Leader
Dr Monday Ubani, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and an indigene of Ikwuano, has raised serious concerns over recent statements from the Federal Ministry of Works. The Federal Controller of Works in Abia State, Mr Chidi Uwaeziozi, reportedly asserted that the road project remains under federal supervision and funding. However, Ubani questioned the timing of this claim, noting that the Abia government has already engaged a competent contractor who has mobilized to the site and commenced work to complete the long-stalled project.
Historical Context and Economic Importance
The contract for rehabilitating and reconstructing this strategic highway was originally awarded in 2019 during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The road serves as a major economic corridor, linking Abia State with Akwa Ibom State and providing access to Cross River State and other parts of the South-South region. Despite its vital role in commerce and transportation, the project has suffered prolonged delays, leaving many sections in poor condition and causing significant hardship for residents and motorists.
Current Road Conditions and Community Appeals
Ubani highlighted that apart from limited construction activity around the Ndioru axis, particularly between Ndioru Market and Okwe, much of the road connecting Umuahia through Ikwuano to Ikot-Ekpene remains in a deplorable state. This situation has prompted repeated appeals from community leaders, traditional rulers, and residents for urgent government intervention. The prolonged delay has not only disrupted daily movement but also hampered economic activities in the region.
State Government Steps In
In response to these appeals, the Abia State Government stepped in to facilitate the reconstruction by engaging a contractor to complete the project. Ubani emphasized that the Umuahia–Ikwuano–Ikot Ekpene Road is a strategic inter-state route, and its rehabilitation is expected to significantly improve economic activities and connectivity between the South-East and South-South regions.
The intervention by the state government is seen as a necessary measure to address the federal government's inaction and ensure the timely completion of this essential infrastructure project.
