…As Otti Takes Over Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Federal Highway
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has outlined key infrastructural projects being executed by his administration in the South-East geopolitical zone, insisting that contrary to widespread misconceptions, the zone has not been neglected.
The President, represented by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, stated this on Friday in Aba during the inauguration of some projects executed by Governor Alex Otti of Abia State.
Tinubu confirmed that the Abia State Government has taken over the reconstruction of 35 kilometres out of the 49-kilometre Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Federal Highway, following a formal request by Governor Otti. He noted that the Federal Government had already completed 14 kilometres of the road.
Governor Otti had recently hinted that the project would soon be flagged off but did not give specific details. The Abia corridor of the colonial highway, awarded for reconstruction nearly a decade ago, has been in deplorable condition, attracting frequent public outcry.
According to Umahi, “We have completed 14 out of the 49-kilometre Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road. At the request of the Governor of Abia State, we have handed over the remaining 35 kilometres to him to complete so that everyone can benefit.
“The famous Calabar Coastal Highway, from the Akwa Ibom axis, passes through this very important road. Once completed, you will be able to reach Lagos within five hours.”
On the Ikot Ekpene–Aba Road, the minister explained that out of the 48 kilometres by two lanes, 50 kilometres—equivalent to one and a half lanes—have been completed at a cost of ₦65 billion, adding that work has been directed to begin on the second carriageway.
Tinubu also listed other major road projects in the region, including the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, and Enugu–Abakaliki Highway.
“For the impassable Port Harcourt–Aba Road (43 kilometres), we have fully completed one carriageway. In 15 minutes from Aba, you will be in Port Harcourt.
“The 66-kilometre Owerri–Uturu–Afikpo Road, costing the Federal Government ₦195 billion under the Dangote Tax Credit Scheme, is built to the same standard as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway. The South-East is not left out of the four legacy projects of this administration.
“We also have a 465-kilometre road starting from Calabar through Ebonyi, Enugu, Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa States to Abuja. Currently, 123 kilometres are under construction from the Ebonyi axis at a cost of ₦464 billion.”
Umahi further revealed that a flyover is being constructed at the Abakpa Junction in Enugu, while the 107-kilometre Enugu–Onitsha Road is being handled in partnership with MTN, which has taken a significant portion of the project valued at ₦202 billion. The remaining 72 kilometres, being constructed with reinforced concrete, will cost ₦150 billion, 30% of which has already been paid.
“The Abakaliki–Enugu Road is costing the Federal Government ₦108 billion. At the troublesome Emene–Abakaliki junction, a flyover is almost completed—95% done. The President is also committed to completing the Lokpanta–Enugu Road, where one full carriageway and a bridge at Akpa Junction have been completed,” he said.
Umahi assured that the gains of the fuel subsidy removal were already being felt through the increased funding of capital projects nationwide.
“Let me assure the people of Abia State that we are committed to helping sub-nationals. The removal of subsidy is driving many infrastructural projects, and the gains are visible across states. Irrespective of political affiliations, we are all united in progress,” he said.
The minister also claimed that the economic reforms of the Tinubu administration were beginning to yield positive results.
“Inflation has come down to below 20%, our foreign reserves have risen above $42 billion, and the GDP is growing by over 4.2%. The worst is over. Though there were hardships, things are stabilizing,” he added.
Tinubu thanked South East Governors for their “unwavering support” and urged the people of the zone to rally behind them.
“All the Governors of the South East are united in their support for the President. I urge the people to also unite and work together,” he said.
Commending Governor Otti for his developmental strides, Tinubu described him as “a sound economist and experienced leader,” expressing confidence that “through him, Abia will regain her lost glory.”
Some of the projects inaugurated by Umahi on behalf of the President include the Port Harcourt Road, Aba; Ohanku Road; Ndoki Road by East; People’s Road; and the remodeled Michael Okpara Auditorium, among others.
Speaking earlier, Governor Otti said the road projects inaugurated by the President were of immense economic and social importance to the Aba business community.
“Our joy is boundless. This day will remain indelible in our memory. Port Harcourt Road, which once symbolized Aba’s decline, has now triumphantly returned to its place in destiny.
“It is projected that the economic impact of these roads could significantly increase Aba’s GDP in the medium to long term. I have no doubt that within the next 12 months, trade volume between Aba and other business hubs across the country will double,” Otti stated.
He also appealed to the President to support the establishment of a functional rail network across the South East and South-South, as well as a seaport in Abia to boost economic activities in the region.
Meanwhile, eminent Abians—including the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu; former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara; and former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe—praised Governor Otti’s developmental efforts, cutting across party lines.
In a goodwill message, Wabara described the Port Harcourt Road project as “legendary and strategic for Abia’s economic revival.”
The former Senate President, who joined the event virtually due to an ongoing medical trip abroad, lauded Otti for “laying the foundation for a new Abia.”
He said some people had earlier tried to politicize his comments when Otti awarded the Port Harcourt Road contract but noted that he had now been vindicated by the project’s successful completion.
“Good governance goes beyond partisanship. Leaders should use their privileged positions to advance humanity. Ndi Abia can now stand tall among pacesetter states, as the old negative perceptions are fading away,” Wabara said, urging Otti not to relent.
He stressed that “the development of Abia should not be politicized” and that “after elections, governance begins.”
