by The Ajasa News | March 25, 2026 8:31 am
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has declared that the long-troubled Enugu–Onitsha Expressway is on the verge of a major turnaround, announcing a March 31 deadline for its reopening to motorists.
Umahi made the announcement on Monday during an inspection of ongoing federal road projects in Enugu State, expressing confidence that years of fatal accidents, heavy traffic congestion, and economic disruption along the critical route would soon become a thing of the past.
The minister attributed the progress to the intervention of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the federal government had intensified infrastructure development across the South-East.
“I’m going round the six geopolitical zones assessing what is possibly to be commissioned before May 29th by Mr President. There are mega projects that the President will be available for before May 29th and we mean it,” Umahi said.
Once considered one of the most dangerous highways in the region due to frequent tanker explosions and fatal crashes, the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway is undergoing extensive reconstruction. Umahi explained that the 107-kilometre dual carriageway on each side is being upgraded, with about half of it converted from asphalt to concrete pavement to enhance durability.
“It is not only that we are repairing this road… about half of it is going on to be concrete,” he said, expressing preference for concrete over asphalt due to its longer lifespan.
The minister added that similar upgrades are ongoing in Anambra State, particularly around the Head Bridge axis, where asphalt sections are being replaced with concrete in line with modern road construction standards.
In addition to structural improvements, the project includes the installation of solar-powered street lighting and tree planting along the corridor to boost safety and environmental sustainability.
Beyond the technical upgrades, Umahi called on South-East residents to acknowledge what he described as unprecedented federal investment in the region’s infrastructure. He noted that such levels of intervention were absent during his tenure as governor of Ebonyi State.
He also cautioned against divisive rhetoric, warning that some individuals were misleading the public for personal interests and inciting opposition against the government.
Calling for continued support for the Tinubu administration, Umahi said the road projects form part of broader efforts to address historical neglect and integrate the South-East more fully into national development.
As a major milestone, the minister directed that the expressway be reopened to traffic on or before March 31, describing the move as an Easter gift to residents of the region.
“I have given the controller the authority… to open this road for travel and that will be our Easter celebration,” he said.
Addressing concerns over project costs, Umahi clarified that pricing decisions are subject to multiple layers of approval, including the Bureau of Public Procurement and the Federal Executive Council, and not solely determined by the Ministry of Works.
He maintained that the design and execution standards applied to the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway are consistent with other major national projects, ensuring uniformity and fairness across regions.
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