The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has declared an end to years of deadly accidents and gridlock on the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, announcing a March 31 deadline for its reopening to motorists.
Umahi made the disclosure on Monday during an inspection of ongoing projects in Enugu, including the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway and the Eke-Obinagu Flyover. He expressed confidence that persistent fatalities, tanker explosions, and traffic congestion that once plagued the route would soon become a thing of the past.
This was contained in a statement on Tuesday, 25th March, 2026, by Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Minister.
The Minister said the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had intensified infrastructure development across the South-East, transforming one of the region’s most dangerous highways into a modern transport corridor.
According to him, the 107-kilometre dual carriageway is undergoing a major upgrade, with large sections being converted from asphalt to concrete pavement to enhance durability and reduce long-term maintenance challenges.
He added that similar reconstruction efforts are ongoing in parts of Anambra State, particularly around the head bridge axis, where asphalt designs are being replaced with concrete in line with modern highway standards.
Beyond structural improvements, Umahi noted that the project includes the installation of solar-powered streetlights and tree planting to improve safety and environmental sustainability along the corridor.
The Minister urged residents of the South-East to acknowledge what he described as unprecedented federal intervention in the region’s infrastructure, while cautioning against divisive narratives that could undermine ongoing development efforts.
He also clarified concerns about project costs, explaining that approvals are subject to multiple regulatory bodies, including the Bureau of Public Procurement and the Federal Executive Council.
Umahi maintained that the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway upgrade follows the same standards applied to major national projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, ensuring uniformity across regions.
As a key milestone, he directed that the expressway be officially reopened on or before March 31, describing it as a symbolic Easter gift to commuters and residents of the South-East.