The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to commission two critical sections of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway in Abia State before the end of 2025, marking a major milestone in ongoing infrastructure development across the South-East region.
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, made this announcement during his inspection of federal road projects in Abia and a meeting with Governor Alex Otti in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South LGA.
According to the minister, the Umuahia-to-Aba section, handled by Arab Contractors, is on schedule for commissioning in December 2025, while the Aba to Port Harcourt section is slated for inauguration in November 2025.
Umahi praised Governor Otti for his collaborative approach, particularly in addressing issues that previously stalled the projects, such as the removal of traders and waste along key routes. He described the governor as “a man with a golden heart” and an example of how cooperation beyond political lines can drive rapid development.
Highlighting the scale of ongoing projects, Umahi cited the Aba–Ikot Ekpene Road, Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road, and the newly awarded Afikpo Road as other key federal projects transforming the region’s transport network.
However, the minister acknowledged the funding challenges faced by the Bola Tinubu administration, revealing that the government inherited over 2,600 federal road projects valued at ₦13 trillion in 2023 — a figure that has since escalated beyond ₦20 trillion. He encouraged states to take ownership of certain federal roads, noting that such efforts would not attract reimbursement but that states could toll rehabilitated roads to recoup their investments.
Umahi emphasized the president’s commitment to equitable development, noting that the South-East is receiving a fair share of infrastructure investments comparable to other geopolitical zones. “We have every reason as people of the South-East, irrespective of political affiliations, to support this president who is standing with us,” he stated.
The minister revealed that President Tinubu would visit Abia soon to inaugurate completed projects along the Enugu-Port Harcourt corridor, reaffirming his dedication to modernizing Nigeria’s road network.
Governor Alex Otti expressed appreciation for the federal government’s backing, describing the collaboration as vital to the state’s socioeconomic growth.
