By Peter Omopo
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has brought an end to decades of abandoned federal road projects in the Southeast, restoring hope to communities long affected by poor infrastructure.
Umahi made the statement at the weekend after inspecting several ongoing federal road and bridge projects across the Southeast and South-South regions. Speaking to journalists in Enugu, the minister said the renewed momentum on road construction in the region was a direct result of the President’s determination and political will.
According to him, the long-neglected Enugu–Onitsha Expressway exemplifies the shift under the current administration.
“This is a road previous governments abandoned for decades. It is the audacity and determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that is ending this nightmare,” Umahi said.
He expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work on the 107-kilometre dual carriageway, which is being executed under a tax credit scheme by MTN Nigeria and its contractors. The project had suffered prolonged delays before being revived by the Tinubu administration.
Umahi explained that the scope of the project was reviewed due to inflation and exchange rate fluctuations but assured that construction was progressing steadily.
“We are satisfied with what they have done so far. Where we have objections, we have pointed them out, and they have agreed to make corrections,” he said.
The minister announced that the first 15 kilometres of the carriageway would be completed within two weeks, with solar-powered streetlights to be installed on the first five kilometres by next week. He added that April 28 had been set as the target completion date for the ongoing phase, which covers about 72 kilometres across four sections.
Umahi also revealed that the Federal Government was considering engaging SKC to install solar lighting along the entire stretch of the road, except in areas already covered by the Anambra State government.
“All the nightmares on that road will come to an end under President Tinubu. The Southeast should be grateful because what we have long expected has come to pass,” he said.
Beyond the Enugu–Onitsha corridor, the minister announced new nationwide policies aimed at protecting and improving federal highways. He disclosed that the Federal Executive Council had approved a ban on mining activities within a 10-kilometre radius of bridges across the country.
“There will be no mining of any sort within a 10-kilometre radius of bridges nationwide. We are deploying patrol boats, as we have done at the Third Mainland Bridge, to monitor compliance,” Umahi stated.
He also announced major security upgrades for federal highways, including the deployment of CCTV cameras, solar lighting and dedicated patrol vehicles, with a maximum response time of five minutes to incidents. According to him, two operational vehicles have already been procured for the police to patrol the Second Niger Bridge, with a monthly maintenance support of ₦3 million.
During the inspection tour, Umahi commended progress on the 17.5-kilometre eastern bypass of the Second Niger Bridge being constructed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCCC) at an estimated cost of ₦179 billion. He said 30 per cent of the project funding had been released, with plans to increase it to 50 per cent, and disclosed that part of the project would be inaugurated on April 20.
The minister described the bypass, which includes two bridges and two flyovers, as impressive but warned contractors against delays and substandard work. He cautioned CGC, handling sections of the bypass, to improve performance within 60 days or risk contract termination and recovery of funds.
Umahi also announced a new policy banning the removal of existing asphalt from federal roads, explaining that future designs would feature concrete shoulders, stronger foundations and improved asphalt layers tailored to specific road conditions.
Providing updates on other projects, he said 61 kilometres of the Enugu-bound lane of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway and three kilometres of the opposite lane had been completed, assuring that the entire corridor would be fixed before 2026. He added that reconstruction of the Enugu–Ebonyi Road, valued at ₦180 billion, was progressing in phases, with the first phase expected to be completed this year.
Reiterating the administration’s commitment to the region, Umahi said the transformation of Southeast roads reflected President Tinubu’s resolve to deliver durable, safe and modern infrastructure.
“What we are seeing today is due to the audacity, determination and love President Tinubu has for the people of the Southeast,” he said.
