Key Takeaways
- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aims to support infrastructure development in the South-East.
- The Federal Government is providing compensation to property owners impacted by the Ebonyi-Abuja highway project.
- Senator David Umahi emphasizes the importance of timely compensation payments to avoid project delays.
- The superhighway’s completion is expected to enhance commerce and security in the region.
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has emphasized the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to addressing the marginalization of the South-East through comprehensive governance and substantial infrastructure initiatives.
Umahi highlighted that the president's decision to appoint him as the Minister of Works was a strategic move geared towards emphasizing national development, particularly in bringing the South-East closer to the center of progress.
During a recent inspection of the ongoing construction of the Cross River-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Abuja Superhighway, a flagship project for the Tinubu administration, he announced that the Federal Government has initiated plans to compensate property owners whose buildings and assets will be impacted by the project.
He clarified that the government would handle compensation in areas where state governments have been unable to fulfill their financial obligations. This decision follows President Tinubu’s directive to ensure that compensation issues do not delay critical infrastructure projects. The minister reported that compensation has already been disbursed to some homeowners in locations like Abaomege and acknowledged the efforts of Governor Francis Nwifuru for controlling similar payments in cases such as the Onueke flyover.
Umahi explained that while previous administrations had a policy where state governors were responsible for compensation, resistance from some states prompted the federal government to step in to maintain progress on essential road projects.
Significantly, he noted that around N18 billion has already been allocated as compensation in Lagos State to expedite road projects, with similar plans for the Cross River-Abuja corridor. He assured stakeholders that they would follow through with these commitments.
The Federal Government has also earmarked approximately N168 million in compensation for affected properties in other regions, with plans to mitigate impacts from projects like the Ukwuachi flyover and related infrastructures connecting to Benue State.
To maintain project integrity, Umahi has called for a review of the estimated compensation bill of N6 billion, expressing concern that such a high figure might undermine the road's construction funding. The minister insisted that effective compensation is critical to prevent disputes and avoid hindrances in project completion.
Umahi outlined the expected economic and security improvement from the superhighway, stating that its completion would significantly enhance connectivity and commerce in the region. He illustrated the importance of these infrastructure projects, indicating they reflect the federal government's commitment to development across the South-East and the nation.
Highlighting ongoing projects in the area, he noted progress on the Aba-Ikot Ekpene road project, which aims to complete one carriageway with work already underway on an additional lane.
The superhighway's path runs about 1,255 kilometers from Ndibe Beach through key areas of Ebonyi, reflecting the administration's broader ambitions to create substantial infrastructure across Nigeria.
Umahi concluded by urging local communities to recognize and support the federal government's investments in their region, underlining the economic viability and strategic importance of completed projects.
Why This Matters
This new infrastructure initiative signifies a transformative step toward economic reliance and regional integration in Nigeria's South-East, with tangible benefits projected for transportation and security once completed.