UMAHI DECLARES AN END TO YEARS OF DEADLY TRAPS AND GRIDLOCK ON THE ENUGU–ONITSHA EXPRESSWAY, SETS MARCH 31 DEADLINE FOR REOPENING The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON has declared that the long-troubled Enugu–Onitsha Expressway is fast shedding its grim past, as the Federal Government intensifies a sweeping infrastructure upgrade across the South-East under the President, His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Umahi made the declaration on Monday, March 23, 2026, during an inspection of ongoing projects in Enugu, including the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway and the Eke-Obinagu Flyover, where he expressed confidence that the era of consistent fatal accidents, endless traffic, and public frustration along the road is coming to an end. “I’m going round the six geopolitical zones assessing what is possibly to be commissioned before May 29th by Mr President. There are mega project that the President will be available for before May 29th and we mean it,” the Minister said. Once regarded as one of the most dangerous highways in the region, the Enugu–Onitsha road had for years been plagued by tanker explosions, loss of lives, and economic disruptions. But Umahi said decisive intervention by the Tinubu administration has changed the trajectory. “Now this route, the Enugu-Onitsha expressway, you recall that when we came on board, everyday, people were talking about this road. There were a lot of tanker accidents, a lot of people died and so forth. But my joy is that the whole thing is a past story, because the President has swinged into action,” he stated. The Minister disclosed that the dual carriageway, which spans 107 kilometres on each side, is undergoing a major structural shift, with a significant portion being converted from asphalt to concrete to ensure durability. “It is not only that we are repairing this road… about half of it is going on to be concrete. I have no confidence in asphalt I continue to say it. By the time the asphalt fail we will have 50 percent of the road still intact and if it fails within the second tenure of the president then be rest assured that we will fix it,” he said. He added that the same approach is being extended to sections in Anambra State, including the head bridge axis, where an initial asphalt design is being replaced with concrete pavement to align with modern highway standards. “At the head Bridge we have 39k, we’re changing that to concrete so that we can have this coastal road type of road pavement there in Anambra and here in Enugu,”. Beyond reconstruction, the project is also being enhanced with solar-powered street lighting and environmental features aimed at improving safety and sustainability. “So that is going to happen but then not only that. We are putting solar light both for the one that was constructed before us and the one that is being done by us. Within the first one week we will have solar light up to this 1km and we continue we are also going to plant trees which is very important,” he added. The Minister urged the people of the South-East to recognise the level of federal intervention in the region, noting that such attention to infrastructure was previously lacking. “The people of South East have to be very grateful to Mr President. The reason is that we never had it like this. I was governor for 8 years and I can’t think of any Federal road project in Ebonyi State,” he said. He also cautioned against divisive narratives, warning that some actors were misleading the public for selfish interests. “I want to ask our people to be very very careful, there are people that pretend that they are helping us but they actually inciting us against government… we need to know when people are genuinely interested in our case,” he said. Calling for sustained support for President Tinubu, Umahi described the ongoing works as part of a broader effort to correct past neglect and integrate the South-East more fully into national development. “Let us allow this man that have started to right the wrong metted on us as the people of Southeast in the past. Let us allow him the next four years and we will be very much fully integrated,” he stated, adding, “To know the revolution that is going on in infrastructure… this is the Biafra we are looking for.” As a major milestone, the Minister directed that the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway be reopened for public use on or before March 31. “I have given the controller the authority, by the 31st or before, he should call the press to open this road, call the people of South East… let them know that this road is open for travel and that will be our Easter celebration,”. Addressing concerns over project costs, Umahi clarified that the Ministry of Works does not unilaterally determine project pricing, noting that approvals pass through multiple regulatory layers, including the Bureau of Public Procurement and the Federal Executive Council. “I’m not the final authority when it comes to the cost of a project, there are layers of approval, the Bureau of Public Procurement, their own stands and not my own,” he explained. He maintained that the standard being applied to the Enugu–Onitsha project is consistent with major road projects across the country. “The same road architecture as the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway… so no discrimination with the president, everybody is the same,” Umahi said.
Road Rehabilitation Has Technically Improved Learning... Fashola ... A Clean environment has increased attendance at Lectures. Yaba Tech Rector. The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, CON, has confirmed that the rehabilitation of some roads within Yaba College of Technology, Yaba Lagos State has technically improved the desire for learning in students of the institution. He made this assertion during the official Commissioning and handover of some rehabilitated roads by the Federal Government under the Ministry of Works and Housing. The Minister, who was represented by Engr. Umar Bakare, the Controller of Works in Lagos State, said that the Federal Government considered the huge impact of improved educational activities in both these learning institutions and hospitals where these internal road network interventions have been carried out a commitment fulfilled. The result is what we are seeing already with improved and increased number of students who now attend lectures that eventually earns them good grades at graduation. It is therefore undebatable that the quality of education has been impacted by the quality of Infrastructure and the neat and clean learning environment. Speaking further, Fashola said that students are now more readily expressing renewed enthusiasm with regards to attending lectures because some defective roads and especially here, the student carpark has been restored to good condition. The Minister also asserted that during the construction of these internal roads network and the College carpark, over forty (40) direct and indirect people were employed in the process, thereby contributing to the job creation initiative of lifting Ten Million Nigerian from poverty. It is hoped that the College will now ensure that this asset is used properly and not abused. Earlier, the Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Engr. Obafemi Omokungbe glowingly commended the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, CON, who when he invited as Guest Speaker to deliver the College annual graduation Lecture, was approached with these rehabilitation request promised to ensure it is attended to, this is a promise kept by the Minister, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola. For this the entire College Community are grateful and this high commendation also goes to President Muhammadu Buhari who approved that all these necessary infrastructures be put in place. The Rector also confirmed that the impact on school attendance during the raining season has also increased tremendously thereby boosting the increased number of students who now attend lectures more regularly. Nevertheless, Engr. Omokungbe informed that due to the overflow of students, a new campus has been opened at Epe still in Lagos state. This new campus requires the construction of new roads for which the College is passionately appealing for assistance from the Federal Government through this same internal road network intervention, this Engr. Obafemi Omokungbe said will enhance the movement of students within the new campus facilities. Also commenting, the Director of Works in Yaba College of Technology, Engr. A. Adebayo was full of praises to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola who has kept his promised made to the College, he also thanked the Contractor who handled the rehabilitation work for the quality of work done, more so the staff of Federal Ministry of Works, Lagos state who did not compromise standard. He said the rehabilitation of the College carpark and a section of the internal road network intervention was well done. He expressed satisfaction and joy. In the same vein, the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Aderounmu who was represented by the First Vice President of Student Union Government, Mr. Adenle Oluwatosin was grateful to God, President Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola and their Rector, Engr. Obafemi Omokungbe for the privilege of this project that has positively affected the lives of students of the College. He affirmed that there is no more excessive flooding, therefore students who own cars are now able to park their cars in a neat environment, regular lecture attendance by students has increased due to this rehabilitation intervention in the College. He said the intervention is good for them. He said on behalf of the students they promise to make judicious use of the infrastructure and also take very good care of it to ensure its longevity. The colorful commissioning and handover ceremony was well attended by the Deputy Rector, (Administration) Mr. Inyang Udoh, the Registrar, Dr. Sikiru. O. Momodu, the College Bursar. Mr. Abduwaheed. A. Yeusuf, the Director of Works in the College, Engr. Bashir. A. Adebayo, the first Vice President, Student Union Government, Mr. Adenle Oluwatosin, the Assistant Director (Highways) Engr. (Mrs ) Olukorede Kesha and students of the College who were all happy and commended this project initiative of the Federal Government. ...
Infrastructure Development is to Boost Learning - Fashola .... Emulate Fashola and Buhari in Building Infrastructure - HRH Eze Ali The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN who was represented by the Federal Controller of Works Rivers State, Engr. Olufemi Adetunji remarked that, "The quality of education will be impacted by the quality of infrastructure and the learning environment and those who doubt it should simply listen to some of the feedbacks from students in the schools where this type of intervention has taken place." He made this remark during the handing over ceremony of an internal road constructed by the Federal Government through Federal Ministry of Works and Housing at the Federal College of Education (Technical) FCE (T) in Omoku, Rivers State. Earlier, the Head of Usomini Kingdom of Egbaland, His Royal Highness Eze Dr. King Eze advised, " Those who want to come to power after President Muhammadu Buhari administration next year should emulate him and Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN in building infrastructure." King Eze said, "This administration has been useful to the community by building road in the school that linked the community which in turn is beneficiary to the economic and social activities of this area." The School Provost, Dr. Emmanuel Ikenyiri said, “This College now has good road crisscrossing the two campuses making movement of staff, students and members of the public very comfortable." A lecturer in Home Economics, Dr. Matilda Igbeni, said " It is a facelift. We can connect the entire school now because of the road, easy access is now there." A lecturer in the College who teaches English Education, Mr. Albert Ireoma said they are grateful to the Federal Government. He noted that where the new road is built used to be called 'Bush Path to Farm' now the place is an open access. "Students and lecturers are able to access their classrooms and halls without going through bush paths. This new road has been a welcome development to FCE[T) Omoku. It has given the school a face lift." The Students Union President of FCE (T) Ugem Hope said, " The positive impact of the road is that it has expanded the space in the school and bad students don't have where to lurk anymore, their hideouts used to be where this beautiful road is built, in the past it was muddy and inaccessible." A Student of Business Education FCE(T), Okorda Blessing said, "The road is of good quality. It has given us access to other departments from my faculty. We don't have to go through express road again before linking other areas in the school. We thank President Muhammadu Buhari for this initiative." A snacks and food vendor on campus, Roseline Isreal said, “When the road construction works started my sales improved considerably because workers were coming to patronize me. I am thanking Mr. President and the minister for the good road." A painter who was among the artisans who worked on the road, Goldstone Emmanuel said, "Working on the road improved my income. I thank the Federal Government for giving me the opportunity to earn a better income." ...
Bodo-Bonny Road Project: Works at Substantial Level of Completion- Fashola ... President Buhari has connected us with the rest of Nigeria- Chief Longjohn Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN has said that works on the Bodo-Bonny Road Project has reached a substantial level of completion and that it would be completed by December, 2023. Inspecting the 37.9 km single carriageway with thirteen bridges on Wednesday, Fashola said it would boost the economic opportunities and activities of the region. While assuring Nigerians on the new date of completion, he said funding has been made available to ensure its completion even when the tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari expires. According to Fashola the present administration of President Buhari has demonstrated commitment in infrastructure development in all the regions of Nigeria. " It is instructive to point out that this very project is being executed by the Federal Government. I hear some people comment that the Federal Government is not doing anything in Rivers State. Bodo and Bonny are in Rivers State. This is a 200 billion Naira investment in one state. The amount is not the issue but the short and long terms significance of the project is addressing the problem of poverty and how to lift people out of poverty." He said that the purpose of the inspection was to see the level of work done and to administer solutions to any identified problems so that the road and bridges would be open for use for Nigerians by December, 2023. Addressing journalists after the inspection, he said, “There was urgent need to fast tract the completion of the road project pointing out that such infrastructure project would address both the monetary and multi- dimensional poverty of the people and the nation at large. " People are engaged at the sites, contractors, suppliers are busy working and making money. This place will be opened up in a way that it will be breath taking. It should be on record that the seed of ending poverty has been sown by President Buhari by this project." On his part, the Bodo Bonny Road and Bridges Project Peace Committee Chairman, Chief Osobonye Longjohn said that the project has connected Bodo -Bonny to Nigeria, stressing that it will bring prosperity to the land. " I thank President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN for this project. Our hopes as a people is alive now because the project will create a lot of economic opportunities for our people. We are happy. As you have remembered us, we will remember this government led by the All Progressive Congress (APC)," he said. Earlier, the Project Manager of Julius Berger Plc, Thomas Haug said that the project has progressed tremendously and would be completed by December, 2023 pointing out that funding would not be a challenge. He said that the firm has completed major engineering works under water surface, adding that about thirteen bridges both minor and major ones have been completed. ...
Minister Summons Road Contractor Over Poor Performance
The Minister of State for Power, Works and Housing, Alhaji Mustapha Shehuri has summoned the contractor handling rehabilitation work on Bauchi-Gombe road, Enerco Nigeria Ltd., over poor performance.
Shehuri gave the order on Thursday in Bauchi during an inspection of ongoing Federal Government projects in the North-East. He expressed dissatisfaction over the slow pace of work on the project, adding that Nigerians were becoming impatient with unserious contractors. “We have visited other construction sites in the state before we arrived here, while I am satisfied with the level of work by other contractors, I am disappointed with the pace of work here.
“I have summoned the contractor to come over to Abuja to sort out issues because if they are not ready for business they should let us know. “Nigerians are becoming very impatient, they need this project because apart from the road, we are also interested in the employment content and other benefits that will come with it,” he said. Mr Charles Ezike, the Federal Controller of Works, Bauchi State, said that the 81.5 kilometres rehabilitation road project was awarded in 2017 with completion period of 24 months.
He said that the contractor was adequately mobilised and had achieved 1.88 per cent completion after 49.72 per cent time lapse. “This to us is a dismal performance because when the contractor primed the first stone base section, they were unable to cover it with asphalt. “This resulted to deterioration on the surface that we are witnessing and the reason is that the contractor’s asphalt plant is not in working condition.
“They have been battling to fix it and I have severally advised that if their own cannot function well that they should buy asphalt from other company,” he said. Mr Jamil Nasser, the Project Manager, Enerco Nigeria Ltd blamed the delay in the project on the bad state of the company’s asphalt plant.
He said efforts were being made by the management to change the plant and pledged that the new plant would be ready for work within days.
Source: (NAN)
DRIVING NIGERIA’S FUTURE: CELEBRATING TWO YEARS OF TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP AND THE LAGOS-CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY MILESTONE
DRIVING NIGERIA’S FUTURE: CELEBRATING TWO YEARS OF TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP AND THE LAGOS-CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY MILESTONE
MID -TERM REVIEW MEETING ON THE IMPLIMENTATION OF THE DECISIONS REACHED AT THE 29TH NATIONAL COUNCIL ON WORKS (NCW) DAY 1
MID -TERM REVIEW MEETING ON THE IMPLIMENTATION OF THE DECISIONS REACHED AT THE 29TH NATIONAL COUNCIL ON WORKS (NCW) DAY 1