By Our Reporter

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The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has described the ongoing ₦1.5 trillion dualization of the Enugu–Benue Federal Highway as one of the strongest demonstrations of President Bola Tinubu’s resolve to transform infrastructure in the Southeast region and beyond.

Speaking during an inspection tour of the project at the weekend, Umahi said the 528-kilometre road, which stretches through Benue and Enugu States and connects to Abuja via Kogi, reflects the President’s determination to give the region its fair share of development.

“I want our people to embrace Mr. President with two hands,” Umahi told journalists at 9th Mile and Abakpa in Enugu city. “This section alone, if you multiply by two, is close to 200 kilometers of road. We have every reason to thank him, to support him, and to be wise. We cannot engage with sentiments; we must engage based on realities.”

The project, estimated at $1 billion (₦1.5 trillion), is divided into five sections. While sections one to three fall within Benue, sections four and five are located in Enugu. Umahi revealed that Section 3 is leading in terms of progress, followed by Section 1, while Sections 2, 4, and 5 are lagging.

“I came ready to quarrel but found nothing to complain about,” Umahi admitted after inspecting the work. “What I saw today has convinced me China Harbour is delivering quality work. The MD has really improved the company’s performance, and we are happy with the results.”

Umahi particularly praised the contractors, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), for maintaining high standards, but urged them to accelerate their pace on the Enugu axis. “Two of the sections fall in Enugu State, about 90 kilometers. We have seen the progress, but they need to speed up more, to put more effort. The quality, however, is commendable,” he said.

At Abakpa Junction, Enugu, Umahi announced that President Tinubu had approved the completion of the outstanding 72 kilometers of the highway on rigid concrete pavement. The project, awarded to SKCC Construction at a cost of ₦150 billion, will commence immediately.

“By tomorrow, the concrete laying begins, 8 inches thick with strong reinforcement. This is Asiwaju standard,” Umahi declared. “We want a road that will last 100 years, a legacy for generations to come.”

He further directed that consultants and supervisors remain on site to ensure strict monitoring of materials and workmanship. “There is no way one controller can supervise all sections. Every section must have an engineer’s representative for effective oversight,” he emphasized.

Umahi reiterated his appeal to the Southeast to back Tinubu, stressing that the President has proven his commitment through visible projects. “They had the opportunity but did nothing. Today, God has brought a man who is delivering. We must be wise, we must support him, because he that started a good work has been ordained by God to finish it,” he said.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Southeast Community Engagement, Bar. Chioma Nweze, hailed the project as part of the renewed hope agenda, citing other ongoing road works such as the Trans-Saharan Highway, Enugu–Onitsha Road, Onitsha–Owerri Road, and Enugu–Port Harcourt Road.

“This is the endpoint of the road starting from Benue to Enugu, and in this state, we have about 30 percent of the project,” she noted. “We thank the Honourable Minister for ensuring that Southeast is not left out. We also thank Mr. President for giving us a seat at the table.”

CHEC’s Managing Director, Mr. Jason Wang, assured that the company would speed up delivery in line with Umahi’s directives. “Along the road, His Excellency gave us a lot of advice. We have taken note in detail and will speed up our work. I believe that after one year, travel time on this route will be much shorter,” he pledged.