Tinubu Revives Long-Neglected South-East Roads as APGA Hails Landmark Approval

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in handshake Governor Charles Soludo

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the construction of the Oba–Nnewi–Uga–Ihube–Okigwe Junction Road and the Otuocha–Anam–Abaji Road.
The Oba–Nnewi–Uga–Ihube–Okigwe Junction Road is approximately 150 kilometres long, while the Otuocha–Anam–Abaji Road spans about 180 kilometres.
Impressed by the approval, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the construction of the two roads. The party described the latest development as an example of progressive politics.
The Otuocha–Anam–Abaji Road had reportedly been awarded twice to the same contractor during the administration of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. The project was first awarded in 2009 at a cost of N5.8 billion and was later revised to N34 billion, bringing the total allocation to over N39 billion, with no evidence of work done to justify the huge expenditure.
Similarly, the Oba–Nnewi–Uga–Ihube–Okigwe Junction Road, which is about 150 kilometres long, has appeared in successive federal budgets since the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The project, which has remained unexecuted, is now being threatened by severe gully erosion, forcing many motorists to abandon the route.
According to APGA National Publicity Secretary, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, there are moments in politics when policy ceases to be mere rhetoric and becomes concrete, asphalt, bridges, and access.
“The joy in Anambra, in Igboland, and indeed across the South East is palpable.
“The reason is simple: Governor Chukwuma Soludo took to his social media handles to announce that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved two major federal road projects that will alter the economic geography of the region.”he said.
Opara recalled that on July 1, Governor Chukwuma Soludo met with President Tinubu, and the discussion was direct and focused on addressing the infrastructure deficit that has held back the South East for decades.
“The next day, the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, requested the specifics of the roads canvassed by Governor Soludo for construction.”he added.
As part of the discussions, Governor Soludo forwarded two priority road corridors for consideration, including the Otuocha–Anam–Abaji Road, which is to be dualised.
Opara explained that the road serves as a major artery linking Anambra State to Kogi State and provides a direct route to the North Central region.
He also stated that the 150-kilometre Oba–Nnewi–Uga–Ihube–Okigwe Junction Road is also to be dualised. According to him, the corridor connects Anambra and Imo states to the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, with direct links to Abia State.
“Twelve days later, on July 15, the Ministry of Works confirmed it: ‘Mr. President has approved both roads for design and procurement.’
“For too long, the narrative about the South East and the Federal Government has been defined by what is absent. That narrative is changing.
“These are not just state roads. They are regional economic corridors. The Otuocha–Anam–Abaji Road integrates the South East with the North Central and the nation’s food basket. The Oba–Nnewi–Uga–Ihube Road knits together Anambra, Imo, and Abia states and feeds directly into one of the busiest trade routes in the country—the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway.”Opera stated.
Opara noted that the projects would reduce travel time, lower the cost of transporting goods, improve security through increased movement, and unlock investment opportunities across three geopolitical zones.
“The President is reclaiming lost ground in national integration. By prioritising South East infrastructure, he is signalling that post-Civil War reconstruction is no longer just a talking point but a policy agenda.
“For those of us in politics, this is the ultimate validation. Politics must deliver. It must build alliances, negotiate in good faith, and return with results that improve the daily lives of citizens.
“To be clear, this is not the end. There are several other foundational projects underway across the South East that deserve to be named and celebrated in due course. But today, this marks a significant step.
“History will be kind to the new brand of progressive politics binding President Tinubu and Governor Soludo—not because of speeches, but because of roads built, economies connected, and wounds healed,” he said.
The Otuocha–Anam–Abaji Road project was reportedly awarded twice to Niger Construction Company. The first contract, awarded in 2009 during the administration of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, covered a 30-kilometre stretch at a cost of N5,804,811,747.04, with a completion period of 24 months. The contract was reportedly fully paid.
On October 2, 2018, the Federal Government released an additional N316,666,666.66 to the same contractor for the project.
Between January and May 2019, the Federal Ministry of Works reportedly paid an additional N174,649,552.84, bringing the total payments to N3,445,808,905 above the original contract sum.
The Federal Government subsequently awarded Niger Construction Limited a revised contract based on a new design, with a revised cost of N34,263,364,000.
According to the statement, the contract award violates Section 822(1) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, as indicated by the Corporate Affairs Commission.