By Ikenyim Eucharia
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to road infrastructure development in the South-East, particularly the ongoing rehabilitation and expansion of the Ebonyi-Abuja highway.
The Governor, however, warned the contractor handling the project against compromising standards, insisting that the road must be executed strictly in accordance with approved specifications and built to withstand the test of time.
Nwifuru gave the warning on Tuesday when he inspected portions of the ongoing federal highway project in Ebonyi State.
He said the state government would closely monitor the execution of the project at every stage to ensure that the quality of work delivered meets the required standards.
The governor described the project as a major infrastructure intervention capable of transforming transportation and economic activities in Ebonyi and the wider South-East region.
He commended President Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Works for prioritising the project, noting that its completion would improve connectivity, facilitate the movement of people and goods, stimulate commercial activities and enhance the overall well-being of the people.
Nwifuru also assured the contractor of the state government’s cooperation, stressing that his administration would do everything within its powers to create an enabling environment for the smooth execution of the project.
According to him, the State government would facilitate the enumeration and payment of compensation to property owners whose structures or other assets may be affected by the construction.
He further pledged to mobilise host communities and other stakeholders to support the project and prevent unnecessary interference with the construction work.
The Governor said Ebonyi people were peaceful and development-oriented, urging the contractor to reciprocate the confidence reposed in the company by delivering a durable and high-quality road.
Nwifuru reiterated his administration’s commitment to partnering with the Federal Government on critical infrastructure projects, expressing optimism that the Ebonyi-Abuja highway would have a far-reaching impact on the state’s economy when completed.
He said the improved road network would not only make transportation easier but also open up new opportunities for investment, trade and economic growth across the communities and states along the corridor.
Earlier, the Controller of the Federal Ministry of Works overseeing the project, Engr. Maxwell Okoh, disclosed that the proposed expansion of the highway and construction of flyovers would significantly reduce travel time between Ebonyi State and Abuja.
Okoh said motorists could travel between Ebonyi and Abuja in approximately three and a half to four hours upon completion of the project.
He explained that the scope of the project includes the construction of a flyover at Ukwuachi to separate through traffic from vehicles heading towards Enugu and other destinations, thereby improving traffic management along the corridor.
He added that another flyover was planned for Ishieke Junction, where the intervention is expected to ease congestion and improve the smooth movement of vehicles.
According to Okoh, the first section of the road runs through Odomoke and Mbeke, while the second section of the project has commenced and will extend through Benue and Kogi States, including the Oweto Bridge, before terminating at Apo in Abuja.
He said the completed highway would provide motorists with a faster, safer and more efficient alternative route, while also strengthening economic links between the South-East and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Federal Ministry of Works official appealed to Governor Nwifuru to continue supporting the enumeration and valuation of properties affected by the project, as well as the payment of appropriate compensation to their owners.
Okoh expressed confidence that sustained cooperation between the Federal Government, Ebonyi State Government, host communities and other stakeholders would facilitate the timely and successful completion of the project.
The project, when completed, is expected to significantly improve road connectivity, reduce travel delays and strengthen commercial activities along the Ebonyi-Abuja corridor.
