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As a strategy to significantly improve Nigeria’s road network and cement synergy between the federal and state governments, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has handed over some federal roads in the state for completion to the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti.
The projects handed over include the Owerri–Umuaka Road, Onuigbo–Umuahia Road, Omezuo Bridge and the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road — key arterial routes long plagued by neglect and funding challenges.
Speaking at the event, Umahi, said the handover followed the express approval of President Bola Tinubu, who authorised Governor Otti to assume control of the construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation of the roads based on a mutual understanding between both governments.
“This decision reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to collaboration and accelerated infrastructure development. “I commend Governor Otti for taking the bull by the horns. He has shown leadership focused on the people, not on partisan politics”, he said.
The Minister urged other state governors to emulate Otti’s proactive approach to fixing failed federal roads, noting that many of the projects had suffered years of financial constraints that slowed progress. He also used the occasion to call on the people of Abia and the South East to support the current administration.
“President Tinubu has been fair to the South East in projects and appointments. “From the appointment of the Chief of Air Staff from the region to multiple road interventions, this is only the beginning. We must remain part of the national conversation by supporting continuity.”
In his response, Governor Alex Otti expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for granting the state approval to fund and complete the projects, describing the gesture as a testament to shared development priorities.
“This is not the first time Abia has intervened in federal projects. The end justifies the means. What matters most is that our people get the infrastructure they deserve”, he said.
The handover drew commendations from across the state, with community leaders and stakeholders lauding it as a model of federal–state partnership that would accelerate project delivery, boost trade, and improve connectivity across the South East.
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Earlier in the day, Umahi, alongside Governor Otti and federal lawmakers, paid an unscheduled visit to the ongoing Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway (Section II) being handled by Arab Contractors (Nig.) Limited. The Minister expressed disappointment at the contractor’s slow pace, warning that the company had 30 days to complete the remaining 4.1 kilometres of the 56.1-kilometre stretch.
“Arab Contractors has a global reputation for quality and timeliness, but their performance here falls short. “They have one month to deliver — no excuses”, Umahi stated.
The inspection team also visited the Section IV (Aba–Port Harcourt) segment of the same highway, handled by CCECC (Nig.) Limited, where Umahi reiterated his dissatisfaction over poor engineering standards. He recalled that his earlier threat to revoke the contract was only withdrawn after the intervention of Governor Otti.
Following a recent restructuring, the CCECC now handles the Aba-bound carriageway, while the Port Harcourt-bound lane has been reassigned under emergency repairs to indigenous firm Trucret (Nig.) Limited.
The project, initially awarded in January 2017 with a 30-month completion timeline, covers the 41.4-kilometre dual carriageway from Aba (Railway Crossing) to Eleme Junction Flyover in Port Harcourt. Upon completion, the expressway will be transformed into an eight-lane superhighway, four lanes on each side, to ease congestion and enhance movement of goods between the industrial hub of Aba and the oil city of Port Harcourt.
Highlighting the significance of the project, Umahi said the upgraded corridor would connect key national assets such as seaports, refineries, petrochemical and fertilizer plants, and boost the socio-economic life of communities along the route.
“The importance of this road to trade, industry, and the daily lives of our people cannot be overstated, ignored, or denied,” the Minister emphasised.
With the handover and renewed deadlines, the Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to completing legacy infrastructure projects and strengthening collaboration with subnational governments to deliver sustainable development across Nigeria.
