By Dennis Agbo

The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has given Mobile Telecommunications Network (MTN) Nigeria and its sub-contractors a pass mark for their improved performance in the rehabilitation of the 107-kilometre Enugu–Onitsha Expressway in the South-East geopolitical zone.

Umahi also disclosed that the Federal Government has commenced the installation of solar-powered CCTV cameras on federal highways nationwide, including the Enugu–Onitsha corridor. He said installation of solar streetlights has already progressed for about five kilometres, from Abakpa Junction to Ninth Mile, and will extend to Onitsha.

MTN, through its sub-contractors, is executing the road rehabilitation under a tax credit scheme agreement with the Federal Government, with over 35 kilometres of the road reportedly completed since the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The minister explained that the rehabilitation project was divided into four sections, noting that one section—Abakpa to Ninth Mile—is being constructed with concrete pavement by a different contractor, while the remaining sections handled by MTN’s contractors are progressing satisfactorily.

Umahi made the remarks in Enugu on Saturday after inspecting ongoing rehabilitation works on some federal roads in the South-East.

Describing the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway as previously problematic, the minister credited President Tinubu’s intervention for the renewed progress on the road.

“We came to the Enugu–Onitsha road, a very problematic road, but it has been addressed by the ingenuity, determination and love of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the South-East. Previous administrations did not work on this road, but under President Tinubu, that abnormal situation is coming to an end,” Umahi said.

He noted that the project, originally valued at N202 billion under the MTN tax credit scheme, had already recorded works worth about N50 billion before the current administration came on board. According to him, due to the floating of the naira and removal of fuel subsidy, the project was de-scoped to align with available funds within the N202 billion limit.

“MTN is executing the project with its sub-contractors, Nigercat and RCC. We are satisfied with what they have done so far. Where we had objections, we pointed them out and they will be corrected. We have set April 28 as the completion date,” he said.

Umahi explained that the remaining 72 kilometres of the road are spread across four sections, adding that priority was given to the most critical portions. He disclosed that the first two sections of 15 kilometres and 18 kilometres involve concrete pavement works.

“I want to announce that within the next two weeks, the 15-kilometre carriageway will be completed, leaving only the shoulders. We have also directed that solar lighting should be completed in the first five kilometres next week,” he said.

The minister further revealed that the government is considering awarding the installation of solar lights along the entire 107-kilometre stretch to SKC, excluding areas where the Anambra State Government has already installed solar lighting.

He praised the performance of contractors SKC, Nigercat and RCC, noting that corrective instructions have been issued where necessary and that the contractors have agreed to make improvements.

Umahi reiterated that the project would bring lasting relief to road users and described it as a major achievement of the Tinubu administration in the South-East.

“All the nightmares on that road will come to an end under President Tinubu. The South-East people should be grateful because what they have long expected has come to pass,” he said.

He added that while sections requiring concrete pavement are being prioritised, other less-damaged sections would be completed with asphalt, stressing that the ministry is adopting a phased and needs-based approach to ensure durability and timely delivery of the project.