Minister of Works, David Umahi, has hit back at critics of the recently inaugurated Eleme section of the East–West Road, dismissing them as “faceless stakeholders” and clarifying that only the first phase which features a single carriageway—has been commissioned .
According to Umahi, the Eleme section was initially awarded under the previous administration for ₦156 billion but construction never commenced. Work began in earnest only after President Bola Tinubu directed immediate action upon taking office, he added, praising the President’s decision as courageous.
Addressing concerns raised by the Ogoni socio-cultural group KAGOTE who accused the Minister of misleading the President into commissioning an unfinished project—Umahi explained the phased approach. Phase one consists of a fully completed carriageway, while phase two, which includes the second carriageway, bridges, and flyovers, remains underway.
He acknowledged visible gaps at ramp sites for the flyovers and instructed contractors to apply temporary asphalt within a week to ensure a seamless and safe commute between Eleme junction and Onne.
“The contractor met the April deadline to complete the first carriageway,” the Minister noted, describing both the pace and quality of the project as excellent. He further revealed that advanced 80‑span bridges are in the pipeline, with full completion anticipated in the next three to five months.
The reconstruction involved a substantial upgrade from a minimal 10 cm asphalt surface to a robust design featuring a 1 m deep foundation, multiple rock layers, and a 200 mm reinforced concrete pavement designed for 50-year durability. This sturdier structure is crucial given the heavy traffic in the Niger Delta and the strategic location near the region’s key economic assets .
Umahi reaffirmed that he has personally visited the site more than ten times, as directed by President Tinubu, underscoring the road’s significance to national security and industry. He’ll continue his inspection of the Ahoada–Mbiama section tomorrow before departing Rivers State.
