FIC Report (Abia State) – In a major infrastructural milestone for Abia State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to visit the state on May 23 to commission the newly reconstructed 6.5-kilometre Port Harcourt Road in Aba, a once-dilapidated road abandoned for over 15 years.
This was revealed by the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, during an inspection tour of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, specifically the Osisioma axis of the Abia Tower of Peace to Rail Flyover section currently under reconstruction.
Minister Umahi commended Governor Alex Otti for the completion and impressive quality of the Port Harcourt Road project, describing it as a transformational feat.
“Abia has now gotten a Governor. Look at what he is doing in the state, and he is not making noise about it. People are wondering where he is getting the money,” Umahi said, adding, “I’m not surprised. Otti is my relation, and doing good runs in our veins.”
The Minister also directed the Abia State Controller of Works to halt further drainage construction by a state contractor blamed for damage to parts of the federal expressway. He insisted the contractor must report to the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja for further discussions.
On the progress of the 56-kilometre Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Umahi confirmed it would be fully completed by November 2025, with President Tinubu expected to return for its commissioning.
He lauded Arab Contractors, the firm handling the section, for their high-quality work and assured them of future contracts from the Federal Government.
The site manager, Mohammed Elyam, noted that work on one side of the dual carriageway is complete, with the remaining side slated for completion by November.
Abia State Controller of Works, Chidi Uwaeziozi, also praised the Minister’s hands-on approach and confirmed that only about 5 kilometres remain on the expressway stretch, with the aim to finish by September.
This upcoming presidential visit is expected to further solidify Federal-State collaboration on infrastructure and development, while spotlighting Governor Otti’s quiet but impactful performance in office.
Signed
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC, FIC, Umuahia, Abia State.
12th May, 2025.
