By John Alechenu, Abuja
Engr. David Umahi, the Minister of Works, highlighted that President Bola Tinubu‘s Renewed Hope agenda is deeply committed to fostering economic inclusion across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones, with a special focus on upgrading the key transportation networks in the South-Eastern region.
Speaking on behalf of the President during a state visit to Abia State, Umahi delivered a speech at the grand commissioning ceremony of the Port Harcourt Road and seven additional road projects in Aba, held at Aba Township Stadium.
A statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Orji Uchenna Orji, in Abuja on Saturday evening, detailed the Minister’s remarks.
The statement emphasized, “The President, through the Minister of Works, affirmed Abia State’s crucial role in Nigeria’s economic progress and acknowledged the state’s significant gains from the ongoing nationwide road infrastructure revolution spanning all geo-political zones.”
Umahi elaborated, “Abia State is a vital economic hub for the nation. Currently, we are finalizing the 56-kilometer dual carriageway of the Umuahia-Aba road, a project valued at sixty-six billion Naira (N66 billion), executed by reputable contractors.”
He further revealed, “On the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene road, which stretches 49 kilometers, 14 kilometers have been completed. At the request of Abia’s Governor, the remaining 35 kilometers have been handed over to the state government for completion, ensuring local ownership and benefit.”
Umahi also highlighted the strategic importance of this route, stating, “The renowned Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, particularly the Akwa Ibom segment, intersects with the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene road. Once finished, this connection will enable travelers to reach Lagos within five hours.”
Regarding the Ikot Ekpene-Aba road, he noted, “This 48-kilometer stretch has seen 50 kilometers of one carriageway completed at a cost of sixty-five billion Naira (N65 billion). Work on the second carriageway has been officially commissioned.”
He described the Port Harcourt-Aba road as a previously challenging project, now transformed: “The 43-kilometer road has one carriageway fully completed. Aba is just 15 minutes away from Port Harcourt, facilitating easier access for Aba residents who frequently conduct business at the Onne Port Complex.”
Umahi added, “Additionally, 15 kilometers of the single carriageway section of the planned dual carriageway is finished, allowing seamless travel from Aba to Onne Port in just half an hour.”
He praised Governor Alex Otti of Abia State for his dedication to infrastructural advancement, stating, “I hold your Governor in high regard. Having observed his developmental vision and economic expertise, I am confident that under his leadership, Aba is reclaiming its former prominence.”
In his welcome address, Governor Alex Otti expressed sincere appreciation to President Tinubu for the unprecedented federal support directed towards the South East, particularly in revitalizing the economic infrastructure essential for sustainable growth.
Otti remarked, “The Federal Government’s commitment to restoring Aba’s status as a commercial and industrial powerhouse is commendable, especially through the rehabilitation of long-neglected federal highways that traverse and connect the city.”
He continued, “Thanks to the current administration, Aba now attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors weekly from Port Harcourt and other parts of Rivers State, following the reconstruction of the Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway from Alaoji.”
Otti also noted increased business activity from neighboring states, saying, “Entrepreneurs and customers from Ikot Ekpene, Uyo, Calabar, and other areas in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States now access Aba with greater ease due to the upgraded Aba-Ikot Ekpene federal highway.”
He described Aba as a beacon of the South East’s resilient entrepreneurial spirit and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to projects that will shape Abia State’s future.
Governor Otti expressed optimism that the state would continue to benefit from federal goodwill and support as efforts to tackle socio-economic challenges intensify.
The roads officially commissioned by the President include the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road, Ohanku, Ndoki, Ajiwe, Umuatako, Gabriel Nwosu, Nkoro, and several community roads.