The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has inaugurated a completed section of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to upgrading critical road infrastructure across the Southeast.
Speaking at the ceremony on Thursday, Umahi said the intervention followed years of neglect on the vital corridor, which previously made travel between Enugu and Onitsha a difficult and lengthy journey.
This was contained in a statement on Friday, 3by Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister.
According to him, the project, initially handled under a tax credit scheme, stalled before the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who approved its acceleration and partial redesign using reinforced concrete for durability.
He disclosed that about 97 per cent of the first 50 kilometres has been completed, with the initial 15-kilometre stretch opened to ease traffic ahead of the Easter period.
The minister said the ongoing reconstruction reflects the administration’s broader commitment to modernising road networks nationwide, noting that several other projects across the Southeast are at advanced stages, including the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene, Owerri–Aba, and Enugu–Port Harcourt roads.
Umahi also highlighted major legacy projects aimed at improving regional connectivity, including efforts to link the Southeast to Abuja within four hours and the construction of key bypasses and flyovers.
Beyond infrastructure, the minister called on political leaders and residents of the Southeast to adopt a strategic approach ahead of the 2027 general elections by supporting President Tinubu.
He urged the region to deliver strong electoral backing for the president, arguing that such support would strengthen its position in national negotiations and ensure the completion of ongoing projects.
Umahi further dismissed claims of marginalisation of the Southeast, stating that the region is now benefiting from increased federal presence in infrastructure and governance.
He emphasised that sustained collaboration between political leaders and citizens is necessary to consolidate ongoing development gains, adding that awareness of government projects must be deepened across the region.
The minister assured that additional features, including solar-powered lighting and landscaping, will be integrated along the Enugu–Onitsha corridor to enhance safety and aesthetics.