A significant stride in regional development was marked on Thursday, April 2, 2026, as the Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, officially inaugurated a newly completed section of the Enugu‒Onitsha Expressway.
This event not only signifies a major infrastructure upgrade but also underscores the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing road networks across the Southeast and Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The once arduous journey between Enugu and Onitsha, which previously consumed up to seven hours, is set to be dramatically reduced, bringing immense relief and economic benefits to commuters and businesses alike.
The Minister reflected on the road’s critical importance, stating, “The most important road in South East is this road.”
The project, initially conceived under a tax credit arrangement involving MTN Nigeria and executed by RCC, had faced considerable delays.
However, a decisive intervention by President Tinubu breathed new life into the stalled initiative. 
Umahi revealed, “We inherited this road under Tax credit of MTN and executed for them by RCC but everything was on stand still until I went to plead with President Tinubu.”
The President’s directive not only accelerated the construction but also mandated that at least 50% of the road be built with reinforced concrete, mirroring the high standards of projects like the Lagos Calabar coastal Highway.
Beyond the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Minister Umahi highlighted a robust portfolio of ongoing and completed road projects across the Southeast. 
These include the 123km section connecting the Southeast to Abuja, the Afikpo-Uturu-Okigwe road, the Aba Ikot
Ekpene Road, Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene, Umuahia – Aba, Owerri-Aba, the Second Niger By Pass, Enugu-Abakaliki, and various sections of the Enugu to Portharcourt road.
He also proudly pointed to the nearly completed Ekeobinagu Flyover, a monumental structure almost 1km
long, and the swift reconstruction of two collapsed bridges at the Artisan section of Enugu State within nine months, now equipped with solar lighting.
In a powerful political appeal, Umahi urged the people of the Southeast to be strategic in their support for President Tinubu, particularly in the upcoming 2027 elections.
He emphasized that the “Biafra we are looking for is here and that’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” asserting that the perceived marginalization of the region is now a thing of the past, with a son of the Southeast serving as Minister of Works and two service chiefs from the region.He called upon Southeast leaders to vocally champion the President’s
achievements, stating, “We will not support the President keeping quiet. Leaders must meet. We must collectively proclaim what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing for us.
Umahi acknowledged the economic challenges inherited by the current administration but assured that the “worst is over,” with significant efforts being made to stabilize macro and micro economy, including strategic meetings to address the impact of global events
like the Iran war.
He concluded by directing further enhancements for the Enugu-Onitsha
road, including full solar lighting and extensive tree planting, as a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment.
He implored the Southeast to deliver nothing less than 80% of their votes to ensure continued progress and a strong negotiating position.
