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In a bold reaffirmation of his administration’s dedication to the economic revitalization of Nigeria’s South-East region, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared the zone a cornerstone of his national development agenda. Speaking through a statement issued by Hon. Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, Special Adviser on Media to the Honourable Minister of Works, President Tinubu emphasized that the South-East, particularly Abia State, is pivotal to Nigeria’s economic growth. The administration is prioritizing the rehabilitation and expansion of critical transport corridors to enhance connectivity, boost trade, and restore the region’s competitive edge in the national and regional economy.
The statement, which outlined the administration’s ongoing and planned infrastructure projects in the South-East, highlighted several transformative road initiatives designed to stimulate economic activity. “Abia State is very important in the economic development of our nation,” the statement read in part. “Presently, we are completing the 56-kilometre dualised Umuahia–Aba road, costing N66 billion. The Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene road, spanning 49 kilometres, has 14 kilometres completed, and by the request of the Governor, the remaining 35 kilometres have been handed over to the state for completion.” These projects are part of a broader strategy to improve transportation infrastructure, reduce travel times, and facilitate the movement of goods and services across the region.
One of the flagship projects mentioned is the Lagos–Calabar coastal highway, a transformative initiative that will pass through Abia State. Upon completion, this highway is expected to drastically reduce travel time between Lagos and the South-East, enabling commuters to reach Lagos from Abia in just five hours. This ambitious project underscores the administration’s commitment to integrating the South-East into Nigeria’s broader economic framework, fostering seamless connectivity between the region and major commercial hubs.
Additionally, significant progress has been made on the Ikot Ekpene–Aba road, a 48-kilometre dual-carriageway project costing N65 billion. According to the statement, one full carriageway and half of the second have already been completed, with work now directed toward finishing the remaining section. Similarly, the Port Harcourt–Aba road, spanning 43 kilometres and long considered a challenging project, has seen one full carriageway completed. This development has significantly improved travel times, with commuters now able to reach Port Harcourt from Aba in just 15 minutes and Onne Port in 30 minutes. These improvements are expected to enhance the movement of goods to and from key ports, boosting trade and industrial activities in the region.
President Tinubu, represented by the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, commissioned the reconstructed Port Harcourt Road and seven other critical road clusters in Aba, including Ohanku, Ndoki, Ajiwe, Umuatako, Gabriel Nwosu, Nkoro, and People’s Roads. These roads are regarded as vital arteries for trade and industry in Abia State, serving as lifelines for businesses and communities. The commissioning ceremony marked a significant milestone in the administration’s efforts to restore Aba’s status as a commercial powerhouse and a regional economic hub.
In his remarks, Senator Umahi conveyed the President’s high regard for Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, praising his developmental vision and leadership. “I commend the Governor of Abia very highly. I have listened to his developmental plans. I know your Governor before now; he is a sound economist and very experienced personality. I have no doubt that through him, Aba has recovered its lost glory,” the statement quoted the President as saying. This acknowledgment reflects the collaborative spirit between the federal and state governments in driving transformative change in the South-East.
Governor Otti, in his address during the commissioning, expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for what he described as “unprecedented support” to the South-East. He noted that the federal government’s focus on rebuilding long-neglected highways has been instrumental in restoring Aba’s historic role as a commercial nerve center. According to Otti, the reconstruction of key roads such as the Aba–Port Harcourt Expressway and the Aba–Ikot Ekpene federal highway has revitalized the city’s economy, attracting increased patronage from neighboring states like Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River. This resurgence has reestablished Aba as a competitive economic hub, fostering growth in trade, manufacturing, and other key sectors.
The Governor also highlighted the complementary efforts of his administration, which are designed to align with federal initiatives to secure a prosperous future for the people of Abia. He praised the appointment of Senator Umahi as Minister of Works, describing him as “a round peg in a round hole” whose passion and commitment have been critical to delivering President Tinubu’s ambitious road infrastructure agenda. Umahi’s expertise and dedication have been evident in the rapid progress made on multiple projects across the South-East, earning him accolades from both state and federal stakeholders.
The commissioned roads, including Port Harcourt Road and the seven associated clusters, are more than just infrastructure projects; they represent a lifeline for Abia’s economy. These roads connect communities, facilitate trade, and provide access to markets, enabling businesses to thrive and residents to enjoy improved mobility. The reconstruction of these corridors is expected to have a ripple effect, stimulating economic activity not only in Aba but across the South-East and neighboring regions.
The federal government’s focus on infrastructure development in the South-East aligns with President Tinubu’s broader vision of fostering inclusive economic growth across Nigeria. By prioritizing the rehabilitation of major transport corridors, the administration aims to address longstanding challenges such as poor road networks, which have hindered economic progress in the region. The Lagos–Calabar coastal highway, in particular, holds immense potential to transform the South-East’s economic landscape by linking it to major commercial centers in the South-West and South-South regions.
Moreover, the collaboration between the federal and state governments in Abia exemplifies a model of effective governance. The decision to hand over the remaining 35 kilometres of the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene road to the state government for completion demonstrates a commitment to empowering local authorities to take ownership of development projects. This partnership ensures that resources are utilized efficiently and that projects are tailored to meet the specific needs of the region.
The economic implications of these infrastructure projects are far-reaching. Improved road networks are expected to reduce transportation costs, enhance supply chain efficiency, and attract investment to the South-East. Businesses in Aba, long known for its vibrant manufacturing and trading sectors, are already experiencing a surge in activity due to better connectivity with neighboring states. The ability to reach Port Harcourt and Onne Port in record time has opened new opportunities for exporters and importers, positioning Aba as a key player in regional trade.
Beyond the economic benefits, the road projects are also expected to improve the quality of life for residents. Reduced travel times and safer roads will enhance access to essential services such as healthcare and education, while also fostering social cohesion by connecting communities. The revitalization of Aba as a commercial hub is likely to create jobs, reduce unemployment, and drive inclusive growth, aligning with the federal government’s broader objectives of poverty reduction and sustainable development.
As the Tinubu administration continues to prioritize infrastructure development, the South-East stands to benefit from sustained investment in its transport networks. The completion of ongoing projects and the implementation of new ones, such as the Lagos–Calabar coastal highway, will further cement the region’s role as a critical driver of Nigeria’s economic progress. The collaboration between federal and state governments, coupled with the leadership of figures like Senator Umahi and Governor Otti, provides a strong foundation for achieving these goals.
In conclusion, President Tinubu’s commitment to the South-East is a testament to his administration’s vision of inclusive and transformative development. The commissioning of key road projects in Aba marks a significant step toward restoring the region’s economic vibrancy and ensuring its integration into Nigeria’s broader growth trajectory. With continued investment and collaboration, the South-East is poised to reclaim its status as a powerhouse of commerce and industry, delivering lasting benefits for its people and the nation as a whole.
