Umahi: Tinubu Reviving Colonial-Era South-East Road Projects

The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has said the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is bringing to life long-abandoned road projects in the South East originally conceived during the colonial era.

Umahi made the remarks on Saturday in Ebonyi State while leading senior journalists and government officials on an inspection tour of ongoing infrastructure projects under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He highlighted the Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue Trans-Saharan Superhighway as a key project with strategic economic value, noting that construction is already underway after decades of neglect.

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Describing the highway as a “revived colonial dream,” Umahi said Section One of the project, initially planned at 118 kilometres, has been extended to 123.6 kilometres at a cost of ₦45 billion, with dualisation works in progress. He added that Section Two, stretching from the Aboadi border through Benue and Kogi states to Nasarawa, has been awarded for ₦668 billion.

According to the minister, parts of the project have reached about 28 per cent completion, with work continuing despite the rainy season due to the adoption of concrete road technology.

“The Trans-Sahara Superhighway is not just a road; it is an investment corridor that will boost trade in agricultural produce such as cassava, yam, cashew, and palm oil, while also enhancing connectivity with Cameroon,” Umahi said.

He added that the concrete road technology, first introduced during President Tinubu’s tenure as governor, is now being deployed nationwide to improve durability and efficiency.

Umahi expressed appreciation on behalf of the South East, stating that the region is now benefiting from long-sought inclusiveness in federal infrastructure planning.

During the tour, the delegation inspected key components of the project, including bridges along Section One, concrete pavement works in the Onueke axis, and the 1.3-kilometre Ndi-Egbe Bridge in Afikpo Local Government Area, which links Ebonyi to Cross River State and is expected to be completed by December 2026.

The team also reviewed progress on the ₦35 billion Onueke Flyover, designed to ease traffic congestion in Ebonyi Central. The structure rises approximately 90 metres, with a 2.2-kilometre access road on either side.

In addition, officials inspected the completed link road connecting Okposi-Ukawu in Ebonyi to Ugwulangu-Abaomege in Cross River State.

Meanwhile, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru said the state remains one of the safest in the country, noting that no kidnapping incidents have been recorded since he assumed office.

Receiving the media delegation in Abakaliki, Nwifuru commended President Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure development in the South East and outlined ongoing state projects, including rural roads, primary healthcare centres, and water schemes across all local government areas.

“We have projects spread across every part of the state. Road construction is ongoing in many communities, alongside investments in health and water infrastructure,” the governor said.

He also disclosed that South East governors and leaders will converge in Abakaliki on Monday for a major rally to endorse President Tinubu for a second term, with Ebonyi expected to lead the show of support.

Umahi urged residents to support the administration and disregard opposition criticism, insisting that the current government’s record on infrastructure speaks for itself.

The National Media Tour, organised by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in collaboration with the Presidential Media Team, is part of efforts to showcase federal projects across the country. The South East visit follows an earlier tour of the North West.

The delegation, led by presidential media aides, is expected to continue inspections in Enugu, Abia, Anambra, and Imo states