The Federal Government has confirmed that two vital sections of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway passing through Abia State will be completed and commissioned before the end of 2025.
Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, made the announcement on Thursday during a working visit to Governor Alex Otti in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South, after inspecting federal road projects in the state.
Umahi disclosed that the Umuahia-to-Aba section, currently being handled by Arab Contractors, is on track for completion in December, while the Aba-to-Port Harcourt stretch will be ready for commissioning as early as November.
“These routes mark a significant leap in infrastructural development for the South-East,” the minister said, commending Governor Otti for his proactive efforts in relocating traders and clearing waste along the Umuahia–Aba corridor — a move he noted had hastened project execution.
Umahi praised Otti’s leadership, describing him as “a man with a golden heart” and a symbol of how development can thrive when governance is prioritised over politics.
He also highlighted other key federal projects in the region, including the Aba–Ikot Ekpene Road, Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road, and the newly awarded Afikpo Road project.
The minister, however, pointed to funding constraints facing the current administration. He revealed that the Bola Tinubu-led government inherited over 2,600 federal road projects worth ₦13 trillion in 2023 — a figure which has now ballooned to more than ₦20 trillion.
Given the financial strain, Umahi said state governments are encouraged to intervene by taking over specific federal road projects, although such efforts will not be refunded. He advised that states toll such roads to recoup costs.
Speaking on political collaboration, Umahi noted that President Tinubu continues to enjoy growing support from South-East governors, regardless of party affiliations, due to his visible commitment to regional development.
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“The volume of projects ongoing in the South-East is on par with what is happening in other zones. The president has demonstrated goodwill, and that’s why all South-East governors are standing by him,” Umahi said.
He added that President Tinubu would soon visit Abia to inaugurate completed infrastructure projects, including sections of the expressway.
In his remarks, Governor Otti emphasized that the synergy between the state and federal governments is key to accelerating development.
“This is not about politics but governance,” Otti said, expressing appreciation for the Federal Government’s support, particularly on the newly rehabilitated Port Harcourt Road in Aba.
He noted the positive ripple effect on commerce and logistics, saying freight operators had confirmed significant improvements in delivery times, with goods now moving from Rivers to Aba in hours instead of days.
Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting any initiative that brings long-term benefits to the people of Abia.
The minister’s visit comes amid renewed focus by the Tinubu administration on completing key infrastructure projects across all regions of the country.