The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has given Arab Contractors, the company handling the rehabilitation of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, up to the end of November to complete the remaining 4.5 kilometres of the Abia section.
Umahi, who inspected the project in Aba on Friday, expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work, warning that the contract could be revoked if the deadline is not met.
He said the administration of President Bola Tinubu had shown commitment to completing key infrastructure projects and assured the contractor of timely payment once milestones were achieved.
“The president is a reliable partner who ensures that contractors are paid as long as the work is done,” the minister said. “We expect full completion of all earthwork, concrete, and sand filling by November.”
Umahi also commended Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, for his cooperation with the Federal Government and his dedication to improving infrastructure within the state.
Governor Otti, who joined the inspection tour, expressed satisfaction with the level of work done and pledged his government’s continued support to ensure timely delivery. He revealed that plans were underway to have the project inaugurated by December.
“Only 4.5 kilometres remain on this section, and we’re confident it will be completed soon,” Otti said. “We will give every necessary support to make sure the contractor meets the target.”
Representatives of Arab Contractors assured both the minister and the governor of their readiness to deliver the project as scheduled. The company’s Zonal Manager, Mohammed Elian, confirmed that only about five per cent of the total work was left and that all resources were being mobilized for completion before December.
He also acknowledged the improved security situation in Abia, which, according to him, had made it easier for construction work to progress without disruption.
The Controller of Works in Abia, Chidi Uwaeziozi, added that while the Enugu-bound lane of the road had been completed, the remaining section on the Port Harcourt-bound lane was in its final phase.
The Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, spanning 112 kilometres, is one of the major federal road projects aimed at boosting trade and connectivity across the South-East and South-South regions.
