By joshua 
Umahi Opens Enugu–Onitsha Express Way, Urges S/East To Support Tinubu’s Reelection
By Emmanuel Agbo, Abakaliki
The minister of works Senator David Umahi has opened the first completed sections of the Enugu–Onitsha expressway, a major infrastructure project valued at over ₦350 billion crediting the progress to the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking during the event on Thursday at Ugwu-Onyeama along Enugu-Onitsha express way, the minister described the development as a significant milestone in the ongoing reconstruction of one of the Southeast’s most critical transport corridor.
He noted that the newly opened sections would immediately ease traffic flow, particularly during the Easter period.
Umahi recalled that the Enugu–Onitsha road had been in a deplorable state for years, with commuters previously spending up to seven hours on a journey that should take few time. According to him, despite being awarded before 2023, the project suffered prolonged delays and was largely abandoned for about eight years.
He explained that the project was initially executed under a tax credit scheme involving private sector participation but stalled until the current administration intervened. He said President Tinubu ordered an acceleration of the works and approved a redesign of key sections to improve durability.
As part of the review, the government retained elements of the original ₦202 billion contract while carving out a 72-kilometre stretch for reconstruction using reinforced concrete pavement at a cost of about ₦150 billion.
The minister emphasized that the adoption of concrete technology would significantly extend the lifespan of the road.
He disclosed that the first 15 kilometres of the reinforced concrete section is about 97 percent completed and has now been opened to traffic. Additional sections, including an 18-kilometre stretch towards Anambra State and a 39-kilometre segment near the Niger Bridge axis, are currently under construction.
“I have directed full solar lights and tree planting from Enugu-Onitsha, these are the gifts of president Bola tinubu, he will do more for us.
Umahi added that contractors handling remaining asphalt portions have been directed to switch to reinforced concrete, noting that concrete roads can last between 50 and 100 years with minimal maintenance compared to asphalt.
Upon completion, he said, at least half of the entire highway will be constructed with reinforced concrete, reducing long-term maintenance costs and improving safety for road users.
Beyond the Enugu–Onitsha project, the minister highlighted ongoing federal infrastructure efforts across the Southeast, including works on the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, the dualization of the Enugu–Abakaliki road, and reconstruction projects on the Afikpo–Abia–Okigwe corridor and Aba–Port Harcourt road.
He also pointed to the construction of access roads and interchanges linked to the Second Niger Bridge, as well as the rehabilitation of previously collapsed bridges along the Enugu–Onitsha axis, many of which are now fitted with solar-powered lighting.
Addressing concerns about alleged abandoned projects, Umahi insisted that multiple works are progressing steadily across the region and urged the public to verify information through site visits.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing the Enugu–Onitsha road by 2026, expressing confidence that the project would transform transportation, enhance safety, and stimulate economic growth in the Southeast.
“This project will change the story of transportation in the Southeast,” the minister said. “What has been opened today is just the beginning.”
The minister added that President Bola Tinubu has done a lot to people South East especially in the area of road infrastructures and called on the leaders and entire citizens of the zone to support Tinubu’ s administration and his reelection bid to reap more dividends of democracy.
“We should not be aiming to give him anything less than 80%, let nobody split our votes, let nobody mislead us. Be strategic in voting President Tinubu. If you are a leader in South East and you are not vocal about what President Tinubu is doing for us then you are not for us. We need our leaders to begin to be very bold and open to declare support to this divine president as the gift to the people of South East” he said