By Jabiru Hassan, Kano
The Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON, has assured the people of the South East of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to transforming transportation infrastructure in the region, just as in other geo-political zones of the country.
He gave this assurance during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Anambra and Enugu caucus of the 10th National Assembly, who sought federal intervention in completing the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway. The project, handled by RCC Ltd, is being funded by MTN under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme.
Addressing Infrastructure Challenges in the South East
Expressing deep sympathy over the lives lost along the unfinished sections of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, including the recent tanker explosion at the Ugwu Onyema axis, Minister Umahi reassured the delegation of the administration’s resolve to address road deficits across Nigeria. He emphasized that under President Tinubu, the South East has received significant political recognition, further strengthening national unity.
“We should be grateful to Mr. President. Since he assumed office, we’ve not heard of farmers-herders clashes in the South East. President Tinubu inherited 2,064 projects worth about ₦13 trillion, which have now exceeded ₦20 trillion due to exchange rate fluctuations and fuel subsidy removal. Despite these challenges, his vision remains to rewrite Nigeria’s story and make the country great again,” Umahi stated.
He urged South East stakeholders to acknowledge and commend the President’s interventions in road infrastructure and the end of political marginalization in the region.
Concerns Over Project Funding
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Senator Osita Ngwu (Minority Whip, Enugu West) applauded the massive scale of road construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance under the Tinubu administration. However, he raised concerns about inadequate funding, citing the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway as an example.
“We appreciate the President’s approval of several projects in the South East. However, without adequate funding, these projects appear like mere political statements. We are concerned that key projects in our region are not receiving the required financial support for timely completion,” he stated.
Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) also thanked President Tinubu for integrating the South East into his administration and urged him to accelerate road project funding.
“We recognize the President’s commitment to nationwide infrastructure development, but the South East, which has suffered historical deficits, requires special attention. The economic growth of our region depends on a robust transportation network,” Umeh emphasized.
Resolutions on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway
The meeting included key stakeholders such as Senators Okey Ezea (Enugu North), Kelvin Chukwu (Enugu East), and several House of Representatives members. Representatives from MTN, the Ministry of Works, and project contractors were also in attendance.
Among the key resolutions reached:
- MTN must commit to paying a minimum of ₦15 billion monthly for 10 months to ensure the project’s timely completion. Failure to meet this requirement may lead to contract termination.
- The 79km section currently handled by RCC Ltd will be divided among three contractors to ensure faster execution within the original contract sum of ₦202 billion.
- The remaining 72km will be awarded through competitive bidding, with MTN and RCC invited to participate.
Government’s Stand on Project Delays
The Ministry of Works criticized MTN’s handling of the project, stating that its approach does not align with the Tax Credit Executive Order. Officials noted that delays and underfunding have caused a 100% cost increase, with potential for a 200% escalation if the situation persists. This was deemed unacceptable to the Federal Government.
The meeting concluded with a strong commitment from all parties to accelerate funding and construction efforts, ensuring that the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway is completed efficiently and on time.
