Umahi Inspects Roads in Abia, Says Tinubu Reviving South-east Economy

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, at the weekend, inspected federal roads in Abia State, stressing that President Bola Tinubu aims to revive the South-east economy through investment in key road infrastructure in the region.

Umahi, who commissioned the reconstructed Port Harcourt Road and seven other clusters of roads in Aba, reiterated that the Tinubu administration remained committed to transforming the transport corridors of all zones, including the South-east, to enhance productivity, trade, and competitiveness.

He said: ‎“Let me assure you that Abia State is very important in the economic development of our nation. Presently, we are completing the 56 kilometres dualised Umuahia-Aba road, costing us N66 billion done by gallant contractors.”

A statement in Abuja by Umahi’s spokesman, Uchenna Orji, said the President has given priority attention to the transformation of the major transport corridors of South-east Nigeria. 

At the event, the minister stated that Abia State would play a pivotal role in the economic development of Nigeria and therefore has continued to benefit from the road infrastructure ‘revolution’ taking place across the geo-political zones of Nigeria.

“Let me assure you that Abia State is very important in the economic development of our nation. Presently, we are completing the 56 kilometres dualised of Umuahia-Aba road, costing us N66 billion done by gallant contractors. 

“Let me announce that the famous Lagos-Calabar coastal highway and the axis of Akwa Ibom is passing through this very important road, Umuahia Ikot Ekpene road, which means that  if you are on this road when completed, in five hours, you will be in Lagos.

“The Ikot Ekpene-Aba road, which is 48 kilometres by 2, we have fully completed 50 kilometres, 1 full carriage way, and ½, costing N65 billion. Work has been directed to start on the 2nd carriage way.

“The impossible Port Harcourt-Aba road, 43 kilometres, and the government has completed fully 1 carriage. Fifteen minutes from Aba, you will be in Port Harcourt. And I know very well that a lot of Aba people do business in Onne Port Complex.

“Let me announce again that the 15 kilometres of the single carriage way of the double carriage way is fully completed, which means you can do your business, taking off from Aba, and in 30 minutes you are at Onne Port,” he added.

Umahi commended the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, for the wave of infrastructural restoration witnessed under his administration and described him as a sound economist and very experienced personality who came to take Abia State to the path of prosperity.

In his address of welcome, Otti thanked the federal government for the support received by the states of the South-east, especially in the transformation of economic enablers necessary to stimulate economic growth and sustainability.