………..Urge Contractors To Double Their Speed.
FIC Report (Abia State) – In a renewed show of synergy between the Federal Government and Abia State Government, the Minister of Works, Senator (Engr.) Dave Nweze Umahi, CON, and Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, on Friday, jointly inspected ongoing reconstruction works along the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, urging contractors to redouble efforts toward early completion of the project.
The inspection visit, which attracted huge excitement among residents, underscored the Federal Government’s determination to accelerate infrastructure development in the South East and ensure that the road, which has suffered years of neglect, is finally completed under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
Senator Umahi, visibly impressed by the turnout of Abians who trooped out to welcome the inspection team, commended Governor Otti for his proactive partnership with the Federal Government, describing him as “a man who loves development more than politics.”
“The infrastructural guru, the Governor of Abia State, this is the time we can truly say Abia is the State of God,” Umahi declared. “You can see how the people came out freely; this is what we call organic love for their Governor. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu loves your Governor because of his performance and his passion for the people — and your Governor also loves the President. Politics is about development; when a leader develops his people, you support him.”
Umahi further revealed that the Federal Government had contemplated terminating the section of the project being handled by the China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) over delays, but rescinded the decision following Governor Otti’s intervention and assurance that the company would improve its pace and deliver quality work.
“Governor Otti has brokered peace between the Federal Government and CCECC, and that’s why they are fully back on site,” Umahi noted. “He is the bridge-builder and development partner every Federal project needs.”
The Minister, who also introduced reinforced rigid pavement technology on some sections of the expressway for enhanced durability, warned that contractors must meet their deadlines or risk revocation.
Inspecting another section being handled by Arab Contractors, Umahi expressed displeasure with the slow pace of work on the remaining 4.5 kilometers of the 112km stretch, emphasizing that “the President means business and wants value for every naira spent.”
In his remarks, Governor Otti thanked the Minister and President Tinubu for their continued support to Abia State, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to ensuring that all ongoing Federal and State road projects are completed on schedule.
“We are determined to ensure that this project is completed and commissioned by December 2025,” Otti assured. “For over ten years, this road remained in deplorable condition, forcing travelers to take longer and unsafe routes. Roads give access, and access drives development. For our highly industrious and entrepreneurial people, good roads are non-negotiable.”
Governor Otti listed several other Federal roads being undertaken by his administration with presidential approval, including the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road, Owerrinta–Umuikaa Dualization, Onuimo–Tower Dual Carriageway, Ohafia–Arochukwu Road, and the recently completed Omenuko Bridge.
“Once elections are over, governance must take over,” he said. “We are working hand in hand with the Federal Government for the benefit of our people. Opposition is not about telling lies or opposing what is good. We must all collaborate for progress from the center down to the local governments.”
Earlier, the Federal Controller of Works in Abia State, Engr. Chidi Uwaeziozi, disclosed that the 54.1-kilometer Aba–Port Harcourt section forms the second phase of the ongoing rehabilitation of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway and assured that the ministry is working to ensure quality completion within the stipulated timeframe.
Senator Umahi concluded the visit by reaffirming President Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring that no part of the country, especially the South East, is left behind in the current wave of infrastructural renewal.
“This administration has shown real attention to the affairs of the South East, particularly in road infrastructure,” he said. “Our Governors in the region are united with the President in driving these projects to completion.”
As the inspection team departed, residents of Aba and neighboring communities cheered enthusiastically, hailing the partnership between the Federal and Abia State Governments as a new dawn of cooperation and progress in the South East.
Signed
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC, FIC Umuahia Abia State.
October 31,2025.
