The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has expressed his confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will win re-election in 2027, highlighting the ongoing infrastructure development across the country.
Speaking at the opening of a completed 15-kilometre section of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway to traffic, Umahi noted that the project has significantly reduced travel time along the busy corridor.
Infrastructure Development
The rehabilitation of the road has addressed years of deterioration and long delays experienced by commuters, particularly in the South-East.
Umahi urged governors in the region to highlight and promote the Federal Government’s achievements, as well as mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Project Details
He recalled that prior to the current administration, the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway—one of the busiest routes in the region—had suffered prolonged neglect despite being awarded years earlier.
According to him, the Federal Government intervened by restructuring the contract and introducing reinforced concrete pavement on critical sections to enhance durability.
Key points about the project include:
- A 72-kilometre stretch is being reconstructed using concrete technology designed to last between 50 and 100 years with minimal maintenance.
- The total cost of the project has risen to over ₦350 billion, covering both the existing contract and newly reviewed sections.
- The first 15 kilometres of the concrete pavement is nearly completed and has been opened to ease traffic ahead of the Easter season.
Completion Timeline and Benefits
Umahi further stated that other sections of the road, including stretches of 18 kilometres and 39 kilometres, are at various stages of completion, with directives issued to ensure uniform construction standards.
He commended Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure in the South-East, noting that several major road projects are ongoing, including key routes linking Enugu, Abakaliki, Aba, Port Harcourt and Onitsha, as well as access roads to the Second Niger Bridge.
Umahi expressed optimism that the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway project would be fully completed by 2026, describing it as a transformative development expected to boost economic activities, enhance safety, and further reduce travel time in the region.