Federal Government Opens Completed Section of Enugu-Onitsha Expressway
The Federal Government has officially opened a newly completed section of the vital Enugu-Onitsha expressway, reaffirming its commitment to enhancing road infrastructure across the Southeast region and Nigeria as a whole. Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, conducted the opening ceremony on Thursday, emphasizing the government's recognition of the road's critical importance to regional connectivity and economic activity.
Minister Umahi Highlights Project History and Presidential Intervention
According to a statement issued by his media assistant, Francis Nwaze, Minister Umahi provided a detailed account of the project's journey. He explained that the Enugu-Onitsha expressway, which previously took travelers about seven hours to traverse before 2023, is arguably the most important road in the Southeast.
The project was initially under a tax credit arrangement involving MTN Nigeria and executed by RCC, but it had stalled significantly. "We inherited this road under the tax credit scheme of MTN, executed for them by RCC, but everything was at a standstill until I went to plead with President Tinubu," Umahi stated.
He credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with providing decisive acceleration. "The President didn't only give acceleration to the construction of this road, but he directed that at least 50% of it must be on concrete, similar to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway," Umahi added. The project was awarded before President Tinubu's administration with little progress, but it was reviewed, allowing MTN to continue with their contract, excluding 72 kilometers.
"It takes a lot of courage to do what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing. The entire road is being reconstructed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu," the Minister asserted.
Current Status and Easter Period Opening
Providing updates on the current construction status, Minister Umahi noted that the first 50 kilometers of reinforced concrete pavement is approximately 97% completed. However, President Tinubu directed the opening of a section to alleviate public suffering during the Easter period. "The President directed me to come and open the road so that the people of the Southeast will not suffer during the Easter period, and that is why I am here to open the first 15 kilometers of the road," Umahi explained.
Comprehensive Overview of Southeast Road Projects
Minister Umahi outlined a comprehensive list of ongoing and completed road projects across the Southeast, demonstrating significant federal investment in the region's infrastructure:
- Third Legacy Project: Connecting the Southeast to Abuja in less than four hours. A 123-kilometer section in the Southeast is ongoing with reinforced concrete pavement.
- Afikpo-Uturu-Okigwe Road: 64 kilometers being reconstructed under the Dangote Tax Credit scheme, with concrete work ongoing.
- Aba Ikot Ekpene Road: One carriageway completed, the second one being engaged.
- Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road: 95% completed.
- Umuahia-Aba Road: Executed by Arab Contractors, 99% done.
- Owerri-Aba Road: Constructed by Arab Contractors, 70% done.
- Second Niger Bypass: 17.5 kilometers with multiple bridges and flyovers, ongoing by CGC, with 30% payment made.
- Enugu-Abakaliki Road: 30% fully paid, project ongoing.
- Enugu to Port Harcourt Road: Multiple sections, including a 60-kilometer dualized section from Enugu by CGC (70% done), with remaining 64 kilometers directed to be on concrete.
- Setraco Section: 99% finished.
- Aba to Port Harcourt Road: Being done by CCECC, one full carriageway done, second redesigned for concrete.
- Owerri-Onitsha Road: Ongoing by CGC.
- Ekeobinagu Flyover: One of the biggest in the country, 99% done, nearly 1 kilometer in length.
"Time will fail us to say all that the President is doing in the Southeast," Umahi remarked, indicating even more projects are underway.
Emergency Interventions and Modern Features
The Minister also highlighted key emergency interventions, such as the reconstruction of two collapsed bridges at the Artisan section in Enugu State within nine months, now equipped with solar lighting. He added that the Enugu-Onitsha expressway will feature solar lighting throughout, a feature also being implemented on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Road.
Political Commentary and Call for Strategic Support
Minister Umahi ventured into political commentary, linking infrastructure development to regional inclusion. "When I boldly say that the Biafra we are looking for is here, and that's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu," he stated, suggesting that tangible development under Tinubu addresses historical grievances.
He urged the Southeast to be strategic in the upcoming 2027 elections. "In 2027, the people of the Southeast must be very strategic. We want these projects to be completed," Umahi emphasized. He expressed a divine conviction about Tinubu's re-election, stating, "God has told me that President Tinubu will win again, he will win again."
Umahi called for vocal support from Southeast leaders, arguing that marginalization is over, citing his appointment as Minister of Works and the appointment of two service chiefs from the region under the current administration. "The marginalization we are talking about, it's over, for the first time, your son is Minister of Works," he declared.
He referenced the 2023 Southern Governors' agreement in Asaba that supported a Southern president, which led to Tinubu's election. "We all met in Asaba, all the Southern Governors, and we said it's our turn. Emilokan will be over in 2031," Umahi recalled, implying a future opportunity for the Southeast.
"We vote for our brother in the Southwest; when it's our turn, they will vote for us. That's the strategy," he advised, promoting regional political cooperation. He commended President Tinubu's economic efforts and called for open support for his second-term bid, stressing the need for wise and strategic politics over divisive language.
