Cynthia Ezegwu
The Federal Government has formally handed over the completion of several critical federal road projects in Abia State to the state government, in what officials described as a new model of partnership aimed at fast-tracking road infrastructure delivery under the Renewed Hope agenda.
The handover, approved by President Bola Tinubu, was announced by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during a civic reception for Governor Alex Otti at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.
The roads involved include the Owerri–Umuaka Road, Onuigbo–Umuahia Road, Omezuo Bridge, and the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road—key transport links within the South-East economic corridor.
In a statement, the Ministry of Works said the move reflects Tinubu’s approval for Abia State to take over the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the projects “based on a request and mutual understanding.”
Addressing political leaders, traditional rulers, and stakeholders, Umahi praised Governor Otti’s “proactive and non-partisan approach” to governance, noting that the roads had suffered years of neglect and underfunding.
“I am happy that many of our governors are taking the bull by the horns,” Umahi said, adding that the federal government’s intervention demonstrates a commitment to fair and inclusive development across the South-East region.
Governor Otti thanked the President for approving the state’s intervention, describing it as a practical step that would benefit the people of Abia and Nigeria at large. “What matters is that the roads get fixed and our people benefit,” he said.
Earlier, Umahi, accompanied by Governor Otti, members of the National Assembly, and other stakeholders, inspected ongoing works on the 56.1-kilometre Section II (Umuahia Tower–Aba) of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Dual Carriageway, being handled by Messrs Arab Contractors (Nig.) Limited. The minister criticized the contractor for delays and failure to meet engineering standards, giving them one month to complete the remaining 4.1 kilometres.
READ ALSO: Stop De-marketing Your Country, Umahi Tells Nigerians
The ministry also inspected Section IV (Aba–Port Harcourt) of the expressway, where the contract was reassigned to an indigenous contractor, Messrs Trucret (Nig.) Limited, for emergency repairs.
The projects, initially awarded in 2017, include construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of the 41.4-kilometre dual carriageway from Aba, Abia State, to Eleme Junction Flyover in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Upon completion, the expressway will feature an eight-lane carriageway with additional service lanes in urban areas to improve traffic flow.
According to Umahi, the initiative is aimed at enhancing regional trade, connecting key national assets such as seaports and industrial facilities, and boosting socio-economic development along the corridor.
The handover reflects a growing shift in Nigeria’s infrastructure policy, with the Tinubu administration encouraging states to partner with the federal government to expedite stalled projects—a model that could serve as a blueprint for similar collaborations nationwide.