—- Says the current progress was driven by the President’s determination and bold leadership.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ended decades of abandoned federal road projects in Nigeria’s Southeast, describing the development as a turning point for infrastructure in the region. Umahi made the statement after an extensive inspection of federal roads and bridges across the Southeast and Southsouth, including the long-troubled Enugu–Onitsha Expressway.
Speaking to journalists in Enugu, the minister said President Tinubu’s intervention had revived hope in a region historically plagued by failed contracts and deteriorating infrastructure. Describing the Enugu–Onitsha road as a “nightmare” left unattended by previous administrations. He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work being carried out by MTN Nigeria and its contractors on the 107-kilometre dual carriageway, originally awarded under a tax credit scheme.
According to the minister, delays caused by inflation and foreign exchange fluctuations necessitated a review of the project scope, but work has now gained steady momentum. He announced that the first 15 kilometres of the road would be completed within two weeks, alongside the installation of solar-powered streetlights, while April 28 has been set as the target date for completing about 72 kilometres across four sections.
Umahi also revealed plans to extend solar lighting along the entire stretch of the highway, except in areas already covered by the Anambra State government, assuring that the completed project would be “a sight to behold.”
Beyond the Enugu–Onitsha corridor, the minister unveiled new policies aimed at strengthening the durability and security of federal highways nationwide. He disclosed that the Federal Executive Council had approved a ban on mining activities within a 10-kilometre radius of bridges to safeguard critical infrastructure.
He further announced enhanced security measures on highways, including the deployment of CCTV cameras, solar lighting and dedicated patrol vehicles, with a commitment to respond to incidents within five minutes. Umahi added that patrol vehicles and monthly maintenance support had already been provided for security operations on the Second Niger Bridge.
During the inspection tour, the minister commended progress on the eastern bypass of the Second Niger Bridge and warned contractors against delays and substandard work, stressing that non-performing contracts would be terminated if necessary.
Umahi reaffirmed that the renewed pace of work on Southeast roads reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to delivering durable, safe and modern infrastructure, assuring that long-neglected highways in the region would soon be fully restored.