The Minister of Works, Mr David Umahi, has announced that motorists would begin using a crucial 15-kilometre section of the Enugu–Onitsha highway during the Easter period, describing it as a special intervention to ease travel.
Mr Umahi made the disclosure while inspecting the project in Enugu, expressing satisfaction with the quality of work and reaffirming the government’s commitment to delivering immediate relief to road users.
According to him, the section will be opened for use by the end of March, even if final touches such as road markings and median curbs are yet to be completed.
“We have directed the contractor to ensure that this stretch is accessible within the stipulated timeframe as part of efforts to reduce the burden on commuters,” he said.
The Minister emphasised that beyond short-term relief, the project is designed to ensure long-term durability, noting that the highway remains one of the most strategic transport corridors in Nigeria’s South-East.
He observed that roads in the region have long suffered from heavy congestion, frequent accidents, and poor pavement conditions, expressing optimism that ongoing reconstruction will permanently address these challenges.
Umahi linked the renewed infrastructure push to the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to the development of the South-East, while also highlighting the scale of inherited challenges in the sector.
He revealed that the federal government met outstanding road liabilities estimated at over N13 trillion across more than 2,000 projects as of May 2023, a situation he said has strained project delivery nationwide.
While acknowledging that delayed payments have slowed contractors’ pace of work, Umahi expressed confidence that progress would improve once funding issues are resolved.
“You cannot expect optimal performance when contractors are unpaid, but we appreciate their continued cooperation and trust in government,” he added.
The minister also commended Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah, for supporting the project, particularly in handling compensation for affected residents around the Abakpa flyover axis of the Enugu–Abakaliki highway.
He noted that the state government also facilitated the relocation of key infrastructure, including high-tension power lines and water pipelines, to ensure smooth execution of the project.
On his part, the resident engineer for the Enugu–Onitsha highway project, Mr Lawrence Ubi, confirmed that the 15-kilometre stretch is about 95 per cent complete.
He assured that the work meets required engineering standards and will be ready for public use within the agreed timeline, while appreciating the federal government’s continued support.