UMUAHIA — The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has directed contractors handling the Aba–Port Harcourt Expressway to complete the project by April, ahead of its formal inauguration by Bola Ahmed Tinubu in May.
Umahi gave the directive during an unscheduled inspection tour of the project on Saturday, expressing satisfaction with the pace and quality of work executed by some contractors.
He assured the firms that arrangements had been concluded to clear outstanding payments, stressing that funding would not be allowed to stall the project. The minister was responding to an appeal by a contractor who requested additional funds to meet the April deadline.
According to Umahi, ₦4 billion out of the ₦8.3 billion owed one contractor would be released before the end of February, while efforts are ongoing in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance to settle outstanding obligations to local contractors.
Commending the contractors for their patience and commitment, he maintained that substandard work would not be tolerated.
“They have done fantastic work. This road can last for 50 years. The project will not stop because of funds,” he said.
He explained that the project had been migrated to the Sukuk financing arrangement to guarantee steady funding.
“Out of the ₦8.3 billion owed, about ₦2 billion is already captured under Sukuk. Additionally, 30 per cent of the 2025 budget has been approved for payment as directed by Mr President, while the remaining 70 per cent will be accommodated in the 2026 budget cycle starting in April,” he stated.
South-East Not Marginalised
The former Ebonyi State governor praised President Tinubu for what he described as unprecedented federal presence in the South-East, insisting the region is no longer marginalised under the current administration.
“I thank Mr President for the South-East. There is no more marginalisation. For the first time, we have the Minister of Works from this zone. That shows the President’s intention and good heart,” he said.
Umahi urged South-East voters to reciprocate the President’s gestures with massive support in the 2027 general election.
“From Port Harcourt to Enugu, there is no section of this road where work is not ongoing. Never in the history of Nigeria has the South-East benefited like this,” he noted.
2027: ‘Not Yet South-East’s Turn’
On the 2027 presidential election, Umahi cautioned the South-East against what he described as sentimental and non-strategic political choices. He appealed to former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to shelve his presidential ambition and support President Tinubu.
“We should tell our brother, Peter Obi, that it is not yet our turn. When it is our turn, Nigerians will know,” Umahi said.
He argued that Tinubu should be allowed to complete ongoing infrastructure projects across the country.
“Our force will remain with President Bola Tinubu. I don’t want anybody who will come and stop these projects. Nigerians want continuity,” he added.
Projects Open for Scrutiny
The minister stressed that all projects under his supervision are open to public verification and evaluation.
“Our projects are open. We have even sent details to the ICPC to inspect all sites across the federation. If you have any petition, submit it. If you want to know what is happening, come to site,” he said.
Umahi disclosed that defects had been observed on portions of the Isiagu–Better Life/Lokpanta axis of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, assuring that corrective measures would be personally supervised.
“Under me, no contractor will be spared for poor work. But those doing well will be encouraged,” he warned.
Also speaking, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement for the South-East, Chioma Nweze, thanked President Tinubu for sustaining funding for inherited projects in the region, describing it as proof of inclusive governance.
“Mr President did not abandon any project he inherited. This shows his love for the South-East,” she said.
In an interview, the Project Manager of Arab Contractors, Engineer Mahmoud Ismail, assured that the company has the capacity to deliver the project on schedule but appealed for improved cash flow.
“We are ready to finish on time, but we need your support for funding. Our outstanding payment is ₦8.3 billion,” he said.
The minister, accompanied by the Federal Controller of Works in Abia State, continued inspection beyond the Obigbo Bridge into Rivers State.
