Umahi Commissions Enugu-Onitsha Road, Urges S’West Leaders To Promote Tinubu’s Projects
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has called on leaders in Nigeria’s Southeast to actively promote the achievements of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that silence could weaken public support for the administration.
Umahi made the appeal on Thursday during the inauguration of the first 15-kilometre stretch of the reconstructed second lane of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, a key economic corridor linking major commercial hubs in the region.
Describing the road as one of the most strategic in the Southeast, the minister noted that the route had long been in poor condition, causing severe delays for commuters. He said the ongoing reconstruction is already transforming travel time and boosting economic activity.
“We must be vocal about what the president is doing,” Umahi said. “Supporting the government goes beyond words—it requires telling our people the truth about ongoing development.”
He explained that the project, which had previously suffered delays under a tax credit arrangement, gained momentum after President Tinubu intervened in 2023. According to him, the administration approved a redesign using reinforced concrete technology to ensure durability.
Umahi revealed that while one section of the project retained its original contract value of ₦202 billion, an additional 72-kilometre stretch was redesigned at an estimated ₦150 billion, bringing the total cost to over ₦350 billion.
The minister added that the nearly completed 15-kilometre portion—about 97 per cent finished—was opened ahead of the Easter period to ease traffic congestion and improve travel experience for road users.
Beyond the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, Umahi highlighted several ongoing federal road projects across the Southeast, including sections of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway and the Second Niger Bridge bypass. He noted that many of these roads are being upgraded with concrete pavement designed to last between 50 and 100 years.
He argued that the scale of infrastructure development in the region demonstrates a clear effort by the current administration to address longstanding concerns about marginalisation.
“For the first time, the Southeast is not left behind,” he said. “The president has shown commitment to fairness, equity, and development.”
Umahi also pointed to major legacy projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and a proposed corridor linking Calabar to Abuja, noting that these initiatives would further enhance connectivity and economic growth.
On the political front, the minister urged leaders in the region to adopt a strategic approach by openly supporting the president, especially as the 2027 general elections approach. He maintained that stronger alignment with the federal government could position the Southeast for greater opportunities in future power negotiations.
He assured that contractors handling the Enugu–Onitsha project have been given clear timelines, expressing confidence that the full reconstruction will be completed by 2026.
