Why we handed over some federal roads to Abia Govt – Umahi

The Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi, has handed over some Federal Roads in the State for completion to the Governor of Abia State, (Dr.) Alex Otti.

This is in continuous demonstration of the Renewed Hope Administration’s resolve to significantly improve Nigeria’s road network and a show of synergy between the Federal and State Governments.

The symbolic Handing Over took place at a Grand Civic Reception, in honour of the Governor at the Eyimba International Stadium, Aba on Friday, 31st October 2025, while they includes the Owerri– Umuaka Road, Onuigbo–Umuahia Road, Omezuo Bridge, and Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road.

Umahi, during the gathering explained that the handover followed the express approval of the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who authorized Governor Otti to take charge of the construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of the roads, based on a request and mutual understanding.

While calling on other State Governors to follow suit, the Minister commended Governor Otti’s proactive approach to fixing failed Federal roads, describing him as a leader focused on the needs of his people rather than partisan considerations.

“So, I am happy that the majority of our Governors are taking the bull by the horns,” he said, adding that the projects had suffered funding constraints, over the years, marring their planned pace and ultimate completion.
The Minister urged Abians and other South-Easterners to fully support the government of the day, as well as endorse President Tinubu, for a second term in office to continue being relevant as an integral part of the Nigerian project.

Umahi informed the gathering that President Tinubu has been very fair to the zone in terms of Federal projects and appointments, citing his as the first of its kind and the recent appointment of the Chief of Air Staff from the zone, as a tip of the iceberg.

He also highlighted several ongoing and completed Federal road projects in Abia and across the South East, as indices of President Tinubu’s commitment to balanced infrastructure development, nationwide.
In his response, (Dr) Otti appreciated the President for granting him approval to fund the completion of some projects, describing it as value addition to the good people of Abia State and Nigeria, in general.

According to the statement released by the Ministry, the Governor further disclosed that this is not the first time that the State is intervening in the execution of the Federal Govt’s projects, insisting that “the end justifies the means.”

The gesture generated widespread commendations from a broad range of stakeholders interested in national development and integration, who described the move as a significant partnership that guarantees accelerated delivery of projects, ease of movement of people, goods, and services, and a major boost to socio-economic activities across Abia and the neighbouring states.

Earlier in the day upon arriving in Aba, the Minister, in company with the Governor, Members of the National Assembly, and other Stakeholders paid an unscheduled working visit to ongoing works.
The places visited is the 56.1-kilometre Section II (Umuahia Tower-Aba) of the Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of Enugu-Port Harcourt Dual Carriageway being handled by Messrs Arab Contractors (Nig.) Limited.

He chided the company for not living up to its reputation as a stickler to quality and time in project delivery, giving them one month to complete the remaining 4.1 kilometres (Aba Bound) of the contract.

As a covenant with Nigerians, following the expiration of a 14-day Notice of Termination of Contract, the team also visited construction works on the Reconstruction of Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Section IV, Aba-Port Harcourt by Messrs CCECC (Nig.) Limited.

Nigerians may recall that during his last visit to the project, the Minister expressed utmost dismay at the non-adherence to approved engineering standards and the slow pace of work. It took the intervention of the Governor for the Minister not to revoke the contract.
He, however, descoped it, allowing the company to continue working on the Aba Bound Carriageway, while awarding thePort Harcourt Bound to an indigenous contractor with proven track records, Messrs Trucret (Nig.) Limited, under Emergency Repairs.

The initial contract for alignment was awarded by the past administration in January 2017 with a 30-month completion period.

It consists of the construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of the 41.4-kilometre Dual Carriageway from Aba (Railway Crossing) in Abia State to Eleme Junction Flyover in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

At Aba Township, the median is to be converted into an additional Dual Carriageway for vehicular traffic to and from Port Harcourt, while the existing Expressway is to be reconstructed as outer service lanes for traffic within the town.
The Superhighway, when completed, will become an eight-lane Carriageway, four on each side. Similarly, at Port Harcourt end, the existing median is to transform into additional lanes on both sides to make them eight.

The main objective, according to Engr. Umahi, is to complete the last of the four sections starting from Enugu in Enugu State.

It is also meant to connect and enhance the performance of such National Assets as Sea Ports, Refineries, Petrochemical and Fertilizer Plants, and others domiciled in the coastal area.

“The significance of improving the socio-economic life of communities along the corridor, as well as boosting the traffic situation between Aba and Port Harcourt, cannot be overstated, ignored, or denied,” he stressed.