President Bola Tinubu has emphasized Abia State‘s pivotal role in the Federal Government’s economic growth strategy, underscoring the administration’s commitment to investing in the region.
Speaking through the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, Tinubu addressed residents of Abia during the official commissioning of seven newly constructed roads in Aba on Friday.
He expressed gratitude to the people of Aba for their overwhelming turnout to welcome him, interpreting their warm reception as a testament to their support for his leadership, the state governor, and the ongoing infrastructural advancements.
The roads inaugurated-Gabriel Nwosu Road, Ajiwe Road, Pepple’s Road, Ndoki Road, Umuatako Road, Ohanku Road, and Port Harcourt Road-have significantly contributed to restoring Aba’s former prominence as a commercial hub.
Highlighting Abia’s strategic importance, Tinubu noted that the government is finalizing the Umuahia-Aba Motorway project, valued at N66 billion, as part of its broader economic development agenda.
He further revealed that 14 kilometers of the 49-kilometer Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road have been completed, with the remaining 35 kilometers entrusted to Governor Alex Otti for completion upon his request.
According to the president, the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway will intersect with the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road in Akwa Ibom State, enabling residents of Abia to reach Lagos within five hours.
Additionally, the government has completed 50 kilometers of the coastal highway, which includes a full carriageway and a half carriageway segment, part of the Ikot Ekpene-Aba Road, at a cost of N65 billion. Work on the second carriageway is slated to commence shortly.
The 43-kilometer Aba-Port Harcourt dual carriageway has also seen progress, with one section completed, promising a 30-minute commute between the two cities.
On the economic front, Tinubu highlighted that his administration’s reforms are beginning to bear fruit, citing a rise in foreign reserves to N42 billion and a reduction in inflation to below 20 percent.
Minister Umahi assured the people that President Tinubu intends to visit Abia in person before the year concludes, explaining that pressing national duties prevented his attendance at the road inauguration.
Governor Alex Otti expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its role in revitalizing Aba as a thriving industrial and commercial center.
Otti noted that the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road has rekindled commercial activity, attracting patronage from neighboring states.
He emphasized that the progress in Aba exemplifies the benefits of cooperative governance across different government levels, stressing that political differences following elections should not hinder development efforts.
The governor also commended Minister Umahi for his dedication to enhancing federal highways nationwide, aligning with the president’s vision for infrastructural growth.
Otti thanked President Tinubu for his focus on Abia’s socioeconomic advancement and efforts to combat insecurity, acknowledging improvements in economic indicators that have facilitated increased investment funding.
Earlier in Umuahia, President Tinubu inaugurated the refurbished Okpara Auditorium, praising Governor Otti for transforming the venue into an impressive landmark.