FG shifts strategy on Enugu–Onitsha highway as Umahi opens key sections
By Amarachi Ehia, Abakaliki
The Federal Government has signaled a major shift in Nigeria’s road construction strategy with the adoption of reinforced concrete technology on critical sections of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, as the Minister of Works, David Umahi, opened newly completed portions of the route on Thursday.
The development marks a departure from the traditional asphalt approach, with authorities now prioritizing durability and long-term cost efficiency on one of the Southeast’s busiest economic corridors.
Speaking during the unveiling, Umahi said the decision to redesign parts of the highway using concrete pavement was driven by the need to end the cycle of frequent road failures.
“This is the most important route in the Southeast, and we cannot continue to build roads that fail within a few years. We have to get it right this time,” he said.
He explained that a 72-kilometre stretch of the road is being reconstructed with reinforced concrete at a cost of about ₦150 billion, forming part of the over ₦350 billion total project value.
“Asphalt fails over time, but concrete can last between 50 and 100 years with little or no maintenance. That is why we are insisting on this new standard,” Umahi added.
The minister disclosed that the first 15 kilometres of the concrete section, now about 97 percent completed, has been opened to traffic to ease vehicular movement ahead of the Easter rush.
“We are opening this section to traffic to provide relief for road users, especially during the Easter period. What you are seeing is just the beginning,” he stated.
He added that construction is ongoing on multiple fronts, including an 18-kilometre stretch towards Anambra State and another 39-kilometre segment from the Niger Bridge axis.
Umahi noted that contractors handling asphalt components have been directed to adopt concrete for the remaining 23 kilometres, in line with the new federal standard.
“We have directed all contractors on this corridor to adopt reinforced concrete. We cannot afford to keep repeating the mistakes of the past,” he said.
The minister highlighted the economic importance of the road, noting it would reduce travel time and boost the movement of goods and services across the Southeast.
He credited the progress to the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that the project had suffered years of delays before the current administration updated its execution.
“Mr President directed that this project must not fail. His intervention has made the difference you are seeing today,” Umahi said.
