President Bola Tinubu has reiterated that Abia State is vital to Nigeria’s economic development plan, citing significant investments in the state as proof.
Represented by Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, Tinubu made this assertion during the inauguration of seven roads in Aba.
The newly inaugurated roads include Gabriel Nwosu Road, Ajiwe Road, Pepple’s Road, Ndoki Road, Umuatako and Ohanku Roads, and Port Harcourt Road. According to Tinubu, these roads have restored Aba’s lost glory. “Abia’s importance in Nigeria’s economic development plan is the reason the government is completing the Umuahia Aba Motorway, costing N66 billion,” he stated.
Tinubu also highlighted other ongoing projects, including the Umuahia Ikot Ekpene Road, where 14 kilometers have been completed, and the remaining 35 kilometers handed over to Governor Otti to complete. The Lagos Calabar coastal highway will intersect with the Umuahia Ikot Ekpene Road at Akwa Ibom, reducing travel time from Abia to Lagos to five hours.
The President also commended Governor Alex Otti for his commitment to infrastructure development in the state. “I commit to helping your governor, working with him to ensure that Abia State fully takes back their state,” Tinubu assured. The Aba Port Harcourt dual carriageway has also been partially completed, enabling residents to travel between the two cities in 30 minutes.
Governor Otti thanked the Federal Government for supporting Aba’s restoration as an industrial and commercial hub. “The restoration of Aba pointed to the gains of collaboration among different tiers of government,” he said, adding that post election politics should not hinder governance.