President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has disclosed that the federal government is currently undertaking road projects worth approximately N1.5 trillion across the South East, including the 56-kilometre Aba–Umuahia section of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway in Abia State.
Tinubu made the remark at a reception organised in his honour by the Abia State government at the Aba Township Stadium, following the commissioning of the reconstructed 6.7-kilometre, six-lane dual carriageway Port Harcourt Road and other infrastructure projects in the city.
Represented by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, the president noted that the ongoing works also include the 48-kilometre dual carriageway Aba–Ikot Ekpene Road in neighbouring Akwa Ibom State.
The president, while reiterating the federal government’s commitment to infrastructure development in the region, assured that similar projects are ongoing in other parts of the country and pledged continued collaboration with sub-national governments.
“It is happening in other states of the country. I commit to helping your governor, working with him to ensure that the people fully take back their state.
“Let me assure you that the state is very important in the economic development plans of our nation,” he said, thanking “the countless number of people that lined the streets to welcome the governor and me.
“It shows the love you have for our government, for your governor, Alex Otti, and for the infrastructure development taking place in the state.
“I commend your governor very highly. I have listened to his developmental plans. He is a sound economist and a very experienced personality,” he said.
President Tinubu, expressing optimism about the state’s trajectory under Governor Otti’s leadership, said Abia has begun to regain its lost glory and thanked God for the progress made so far.
Speaking earlier, Governor Alex Otti appealed for the president’s support in developing a rail network across the South East and South-South, as well as the establishment of a seaport in the region to enhance trade and economic activity.
The governor expressed satisfaction with the achievements of his administration, particularly in road construction and rehabilitation, citing the Port Harcourt Road as a major milestone.
“The road, which at some point mirrored Aba’s regrettable decline, has now returned triumphantly to its place in destiny,” he told Tinubu and the cheering, capacity-filled stadium.
“It is projected that the economic impact of these roads could see the value of Aba’s gross domestic product rise significantly in the medium to long term.
“I have no doubt that over the next 12 months, the volume of trade between Aba and other business capitals in the country will double.”
