The Federal Government has announced plans to open a completed 15-kilometre stretch of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway to traffic before Easter, in a move aimed at easing transportation challenges and boosting economic activities in the South-East.
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, made the disclosure during an inspection tour of ongoing federal road projects in Enugu.
The visit forms part of a nationwide assessment of projects across the six geopolitical zones ahead of commissioning activities marking May 29.
Umahi said the completion of the road segment demonstrates the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development in the region.
“The people of the South-East ought to be very grateful to Mr President. We never had it like this. There is no discrimination. The same quality you see in Lagos-Calabar is what we are bringing here. This is a national infrastructure revolution,” he said.
The minister also revealed that the current administration inherited over N13 trillion in debt and more than 2,068 projects nationwide as of May 2023.
“We inherited a very terrible debt of over N13 trillion and 2,068 projects. You cannot drive through any road in this country for one hour without encountering bad roads. That is becoming history based on what the President is doing,” Umahi stated.
He expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on the Enugu–Onitsha corridor, describing it as one of the most strategic routes in the region.
The minister noted that the road, alongside the Enugu–Port Harcourt highway, has long suffered from traffic congestion, tanker accidents, and deteriorating conditions.
He further disclosed that the Enugu–Port Harcourt dual carriageway, spanning about 214 kilometres, is being redesigned to incorporate concrete pavement on at least half of its length.
Umahi also commended Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, for supporting compensation and relocation of utilities along the project corridor.
“I appealed to him to help with compensation, and over 90 per cent has been done. He paid about N500 million, and we are expected to pay the remaining,” he said.
While acknowledging funding challenges, the minister expressed optimism that work would accelerate once contractors receive payments.
“I am aware that the contractor has not received payment. I will not blame them for the slow pace. Once they are paid, work will accelerate,” he added.
Umahi assured that the projects would improve mobility and stimulate economic activities in the South-East.
Gideon Arinze
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