The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has stated that road projects being executed under President Bola Tinubu’s administration are designed to stimulate regional economic growth and address long-standing infrastructure deficits across Nigeria.
Umahi made the remarks on Saturday while addressing journalists at the Amansea section of the Onitsha–Awka–Enugu Expressway after inspecting ongoing construction work on the 107-kilometre corridor linking Enugu and Anambra states.
According to the minister, the current administration is shifting from asphalt to concrete pavement technology to ensure durability and long-term value. He explained that the concrete roads are engineered to last up to 100 years, unlike asphalt, which he said rarely exceeds 15 years under Nigerian conditions.
He described the expressway as one of the most significant legacy projects in the South-East, noting that previous administrations did not undertake substantial work on the corridor. The reconstruction is being executed under the Federal Government’s tax-credit scheme, with MTN Nigeria initially awarded the entire 107-kilometre project at a cost of N202 billion, alongside work handled by Reynolds Construction Company and subcontractors.
Umahi expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of construction, revealing that approximately 20 kilometres of the 23-kilometre RCC concrete segment have been completed, with the remaining stretch nearing completion.
He added that the completed highways will incorporate reinforced concrete pavement, solar-powered streetlights, CCTV surveillance systems, speed monitoring devices, and security patrol infrastructure to enhance safety and economic activity.
The minister further directed that the 23-kilometre RCC/MTN tax-credit section be constructed with both inner and outer shoulders built up with laterite to align with the existing asphalt level.
Also speaking, the Federal Controllers of Works in Anambra and Enugu states, Augustine Opara and Ndem Smart, commended the minister’s oversight approach and assured that the expressway is scheduled for completion by May 2026.
