David Umahi, the minister of works has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu inherited over N13 trillion in debts and 268 ongoing road projects upon assuming office in May 2023.
Umahi made this known on Tuesday while inspecting key federal road projects in the South-East, including the Abakpa Junction flyover, Eke-Obinagu flyover, and sections of the Enugu–Onitsha expressway.
According to him, the current administration has made significant progress in addressing longstanding infrastructure challenges across the country.
He noted that prior to Tinubu’s assumption of office, motorists often struggled to drive for an hour without encountering bad road conditions.
“We inherited very terrible debts, over N13trillion and over 268 projects as at May, 2023.
“You are aware that you can’t drive through any road for one hour without having challenge of bad road but that is becoming a history based on what the President is doing.
“We thank God Almighty for the life of the President and I am happy that our people’s complaints about road challenges are becoming much less.
“Everything will not be completed overnight but we are very committed, we are not distracted, we are carrying out the directive of Mr. President to ensure that the entire country is properly connected with roads and bridges,” he stated.
Umahi directed the reopening of 15-kilometre stretch of the Enugu–Onitsha expressway on or before 31st of this month for public use to ease transportation challenges and boost economic activities across the South East following its advanced stage.
According to him, the directive is part of the Federal Government’s commitment to providing immediate relief to road users while ensuring long-term infrastructure durability.
He noted that the Enugu–Onitsha and Enugu–Port Harcourt corridors are among the most strategic routes in the South East, historically plagued by traffic congestion, tanker accidents, and deteriorating pavement conditions.
He expressed optimism that ongoing reconstruction efforts would permanently reverse the trend.
Highlighting intergovernmental collaboration, Umahi commended Peter Mbah, Enugu state governor for supporting federal projects, particularly the Abakpa flyover project.
He disclosed that the Enugu state government contributed to compensation payments and facilitated the relocation of critical utilities, including high-tension power lines and water pipelines.
Chimalo Ezeugo, project contractor of the Abakpa junction flyover said piling works are ongoing, with 15 out of the required 40 piles already completed and additional ones in progress.
The project is expected to span approximately 800 metres, with a delivery timeline of one year.
Ezeugo explained that the flyover would connect key routes within the Enugu-Abakpa axis and significantly improve traffic flow, particularly in high-density areas such as Trans-Ekulu and the Government Reserved Area (GRA).
Also speaking, Lawrence Ubi, resident engineer on the Enugu–Onitsha project confirmed that the 15-kilometre section is about 95 per cent complete and structurally sound.
He assured that the road meets required engineering standards and is ready for use.