In a move to accelerate infrastructure delivery and strengthen collaboration between federal and state governments, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the handover of select federal roads in Abia State to the state government for completion.
The official handover was conducted on Friday, October 31, 2025, by the Minister of Works, Senator (Engr.) David Umahi, CON, during a grand civic reception in honour of Governor Alex Otti at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, according to a press release issued by the Federal Ministry of Works and signed by Mohammed A. Ahmed, Director, Press and Public Relations.
The roads handed over include the Owerri–Umuaka Road, Onuigbo–Umuahia Road, Omezuo Bridge, and Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road.
According to the statement, the approval followed a formal request from Governor Otti and aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration, aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s road infrastructure through effective federal–state partnerships.
“President Tinubu gave express approval for the Governor of Abia to take over the completion of these federal projects in the best interest of the people,” Umahi said. “I commend Governor Otti’s courage and focus on public service over politics. This is the kind of leadership our nation needs.”
Umahi urged other state governors to emulate Otti’s proactive model, emphasizing that funding constraints had stalled many road projects nationwide. He also appealed to South-East residents to continue supporting the administration, noting that the region had benefited from fair representation in federal projects and appointments.
In his remarks, Governor Otti thanked President Tinubu for the approval, describing it as a “value addition to the good people of Abia and Nigeria at large.” He reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to complete the roads swiftly, saying, “This is not the first time Abia is intervening in federal projects. What matters is results — the end justifies the means.”
The handover received wide commendation from lawmakers, traditional rulers, and stakeholders, who described it as a model of cooperative federalism that would boost trade, ease transportation, and drive regional economic growth.
Earlier in the day, the minister, alongside the governor and members of the National Assembly, inspected the 56.1-kilometre Section II (Umuahia Tower–Aba) of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Dual Carriageway handled by Arab Contractors (Nig.) Limited. Umahi expressed disappointment at the slow pace of work and issued a 30-day ultimatum for the company to complete the remaining 4.1 kilometres of the Aba-bound lane.
The team also inspected Section IV (Aba–Port Harcourt) of the same highway, handled by CCECC (Nig.) Limited, where Umahi noted engineering lapses. Although the contract faced possible termination, the minister said Governor Otti’s intervention led to a compromise — CCECC would continue on one lane while Trucret (Nig.) Limited, an indigenous firm, takes over the other lane under emergency works.
Originally awarded in January 2017, the 41.4-kilometre stretch links Aba (Railway Crossing) to Eleme Junction Flyover in Port Harcourt, as part of the broader Enugu–Port Harcourt Superhighway. Upon completion, the road will feature eight lanes, enhancing traffic flow and linking key economic assets, including ports, refineries, and industrial zones.
“The significance of this corridor to Nigeria’s economy cannot be overstated or ignored,” Umahi stated, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to timely and quality project delivery.
