The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has directed that a completed 15-kilometre section of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway be opened to traffic on or before March 31, as part of ongoing efforts to ease transportation challenges in the South-East.
Umahi gave the directive during an inspection tour of the project, where engineers briefed him on the progress of construction works and readiness for phased inauguration.
Speaking during the inspection, Umahi described the Enugu–Onitsha road as critical to economic activities in the South-East, noting that it had long been plagued by accidents and heavy congestion.
“This road, Enugu–Onitsha, I think, is the most important route for the people of the Southeast. Every day, people are talking about this road. There were a lot of tanker accidents, a lot of people died,” he said.
He stressed that the reconstruction was part of a broader infrastructure push by the Federal Government.
“It’s not only that we are rebuilding this road. It’s 107km by two, so it’s 214km from Enugu to Onitsha.
About half of it is going to be done on concrete, and I have no confidence in asphalt, and I continue to say it,” Umahi stated.
The minister added that using concrete pavement would ensure long-term durability.
“By the time the asphalt fails, at least we should have 50 per cent of the road still intact. And if it fails within the second tenure of Mr President, then be assured that we will fix it on concrete,” he said.
Umahi also disclosed that solar-powered streetlights would be installed along the corridor.
“Within the next week, you will have solar light up to 15 kilometres, and we will continue,” he said.
He directed officials to ensure the road is opened before the end of March.
“By the 31st of this month, this 15km must be opened for traffic. Even if it’s not marked, even if the median gates are not put, open the road before the 31st. That will be our Easter celebration,” the minister said.
Umahi emphasised that the project reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure development in the South-East.
“The people of Southeast ought to be very grateful to Mr President. We never had it like this,” he said.
He added that the administration inherited major financial challenges but remained committed to completing road projects nationwide.
“We inherited very terrible debt in over N13tn and 2,068 projects as at May 2023.
“You cannot drive through any road in this country for one hour without having the challenge of bad roads. That is becoming history based on what the President is doing,” Umahi stated.
The minister also acknowledged support from the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, for assisting with compensation and relocation of utilities along the project corridor.
“I appealed to him to help us with the payment of compensation. He responded promptly, and over 90 per cent has been done. He paid about N500m, and we are expected to pay the remaining,” Umahi said.
He admitted that funding delays had slowed progress but expressed optimism that work would accelerate.
“I am aware that this contractor has not received payment. I will not blame them for the slow pace of work. If you don’t pay, they don’t work. As soon as they are paid, we will see accelerated work,” he said.
Umahi maintained that the government remained focused on connecting the country through durable road infrastructure.
“Everything will not be completed overnight, but we are very committed. We are not distracted.
“We are carrying out the directive of Mr President to ensure that the entire country is properly connected with roads and bridges,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the Resident Engineer for the project, Lawrence Ubi of the Federal Ministry of Works, said the 15-kilometre stretch located around the Akama axis had reached about 95 per cent completion using continuous reinforced concrete pavement.
“This section we are now is 15km… and as you can see, the road is ready to be opened.
“Even now, vehicles are plying on the road,” Ubi said, noting that the project had been executed to standard and would last for many years.
Another engineer involved in the project, Smart Ndem, confirmed that authorities were still on course to open portions of the road in phases to ensure safety for both workers and motorists.
“We are trying to tidy some areas so that traffic flow will be seamless. We will also consider safety and open sections where it is clear,” he explained.
