The Federal Government has announced that two critical segments of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway in Abia State will be officially commissioned by year-end.
Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, revealed this during an on-site inspection in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South LGA, alongside Gov. Alex Otti of Abia.
The highlighted sections, Umuahia–Aba and Aba–Port Harcourt, are poised to ease travel and invigorate commerce throughout the South-East.
Umahi provided timelines for the inaugurations: the Umuahia–Aba stretch, executed by Arab Contractors, is set for December, while the Aba–Port Harcourt leg is slated for November.
He also praised Gov. Otti for clearing traders and waste that had been hampering construction along the Umuahia–Aba corridor—a testament to effective non-partisan cooperation fueled by a “golden-hearted” governor.
During the tour, Umahi also spotlighted other major federal works in the region—including the Aba–Ikot Ekpene and Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene roads, as well as the newly awarded Afikpo project.
But the infrastructure drive hasn’t been without challenges. Umahi noted that the Tinubu administration inherited a staggering ₦13 trillion in road contracts in 2023—now ballooned to over ₦20 trillion due to inflationary pressures.
As such, state governments were encouraged to take over some federal roads—though without compensation from the federal purse. To offset costs, Umahi suggested state-funded roads could be tolled to recoup investments.
Highlighting the political context, Umahi pointed out that President Tinubu continues to enjoy “growing support” from South-Eastern governors—across party lines—thanks to his administration’s commitment to impactful regional projects.
