The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has directed that the completed 15-kilometre section of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway be opened to traffic on or before March 31 as part of efforts by the Federal Government to ease transportation challenges in the South-East.
Umahi gave the directive during an inspection of ongoing road projects in the region, where he expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on the Enugu–Onitsha corridor. He said opening the completed portion to motorists would help reduce travel time and ease congestion on the busy highway.
According to the minister, the decision is in line with the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that critical road infrastructure across the country is delivered on schedule. He noted that the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway is one of the major economic routes in the South-East, linking several commercial and industrial centres.
Umahi explained that contractors have been instructed to ensure that all necessary safety measures, including road markings and signage, are put in place before the section is opened to traffic. He added that the ministry would continue to monitor the project closely to ensure that the remaining portions are completed without delay.
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The minister said the Federal Government is determined to improve the condition of federal highways nationwide to support economic activities, facilitate movement of goods, and enhance road safety. He stressed that road construction and rehabilitation remain a top priority for the government because of their impact on trade, agriculture, and national integration.
Motorists and residents in the South-East have repeatedly complained about the poor state of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, which has caused delays, increased transport costs, and frequent accidents over the years. The ongoing reconstruction is expected to significantly improve travel along the route once fully completed.
Umahi assured that more road projects in the region would receive attention as part of the ministry’s ongoing intervention across the six geopolitical zones. He urged contractors handling federal projects to adhere strictly to specifications and timelines, warning that the government would not tolerate substandard work.
He also appealed to road users to cooperate with construction workers and obey traffic regulations around project sites to ensure safety while rehabilitation continues on other sections of the expressway.
