Engr. Umahi Commends Progress on Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway

The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. Dave Umahi, has reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s determined commitment to the timely completion of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, assuring Nigerians that the project will be ready by the end of the year.

Speaking to newsmen after inspecting the Aba end of the project, Senator Umahi expressed delight at the pace and quality of work, describing the efforts of the contractors as commendable and reflective of the President’s vision for durable national infrastructure.

“The public should know that Mr. President is working very, very hard to complete this road,” Umahi stated. “For the Aba–Port Harcourt section, about 60 per cent of the work has been completed, while the Aba–Umuahia stretch has reached over 85 per cent. I am very pleased with the performance of Arab Contractors; they remain one of our best.”

The Minister applauded the Federal Controller of Works in Abia State, Engr. Chidi Uwaeziozi, for his diligence and professionalism, noting that his proactive supervision has significantly accelerated infrastructural development across the state. Umahi further directed that the Controller visit all federal project sites weekly to ensure consistent quality assurance and early detection of potential challenges.

He noted that several roads across the country had become “national priorities” due to their deplorable conditions when President Tinubu assumed office, emphasizing that the administration remains resolute in its commitment to providing long-lasting, functional road networks.

According to the Minister, the Federal Government has now adopted the use of reinforced concrete pavement technology in major road construction projects to ensure durability and longevity. “We are building roads that will last between 50 and 100 years,” Umahi declared. “Any road this administration fixes will stand the test of time.”

Dismissing claims that rainfall is impeding progress, Umahi explained that experienced contractors are employing innovative engineering solutions such as the “tankering” method, which allows for efficient earthwork during the rainy season. He, however, warned that substandard work would not be tolerated under his watch.

“I was on one of the roads today and was dissatisfied with the quality of work,” the Minister said. “I immediately ordered the expatriates responsible to be removed from the site. This is engineering—precision, not colour or nationality.”

Umahi also revealed that completed roads will be tolled under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement to ensure sustainable maintenance, stressing that concrete roads require minimal upkeep for decades.

The Project Manager of Arab Contractors, Mr. Sherif Fadel, acknowledged that while persistent rainfall and earlier funding gaps had posed challenges, recent improvements in payments have enhanced progress.

Residents of Aba, including Mr. Chukwuebuka Nwankwo and Mrs. Oluchi Ukachi, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and the contractors for the remarkable quality of work, urging for swift completion to further boost trade and ease mobility.

The Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, a critical economic corridor connecting several South-East and South-South states, stands as a proof to the Tinubu administration’s renewed hope agenda and its determination to rebuild Nigeria’s road infrastructure with integrity, vision, and sustainability.