The Federal Government has announced that two critical segments of the Enugu Port Harcourt Expressway in Abia State will be officially commissioned before the year ends. Minister of works, David Umahi made the announcement following an inspection tour alongside Abia Governor Alex Otti in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area .
The minister confirmed that the 56.10 km Umuahia‑to‑Aba stretch, contracted to Arab Contractors Nigeria Ltd., is expected to be handed over for inauguration in June, pending completion of the remaining two kilometres of earthworks and four kilometres of asphalt paving finalized by the end of April.
Similarly, the Aba‑to‑Port Harcourt section is on track for commissioning in November. Umahi praised Governor Otti’s efforts in clearing traders and vehicles from the corridor, noting that it fast‑tracked construction and improved road longevity.
Acknowledging the financial effort behind the project, Umahi highlighted that President Bola Tinubu has allocated sufficient funds in both the 2024 and 2025 budgets to ensure timely completion.
He also drew attention to the broader federal road portfolio some 2,604 projects valued at ₦13 trillion in 2023 and now surpassing ₦20 trillion pressing for state governments to consider taking over certain stretches and implementing toll systems to recoup investments .
Umahi commended the non‑partisan collaboration between the federal government and southern state governors, affirming that “governance, not politics,” should be the primary driver of development. He also noted that President Tinubu is set to visit Abia State to inaugurate completed road projects, including those along the Enugu–Port Harcourt corridor.
Governor Otti echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude for the improved freight movement from Rivers to Aba, which now takes hours instead of days. He reaffirmed that the impact of infrastructure restoration regardless of which government tier executes it—must be measured by the benefits delivered to the people .
