Amanze Chinonye
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has initiated talks with the Federal Government and contractors to ensure the resumption and completion of the long-stalled Aba–Owerri Road (NNPC Depot axis) and the Achingali–Obizi Umunwanwa Road, both federal road projects critical to movement between Abia and Imo states.
The governor met on Tuesday with the management of the construction firms handling the projects ROUDO Nigeria Limited and BOLIV Nigeria Limited to ascertain the reasons work had stalled on the roads, which have become increasingly impassable for commuters.
The meeting, held in Umuahia, was attended by the Group Chairman of the companies, Chief Tony Chukwu, and the Group Managing Director, Mr. C.N.C. Nwachukwu, who told the governor that funding challenges were the major factor responsible for the prolonged delay.
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Governor Otti said he would engage directly with the Federal Ministry of Works alongside the contractors to resolve the funding issues and unlock the projects, noting that cancelling the contracts would be counterproductive given the level of work already done.
“So, we will together go to the Federal Government and get these things untied. With all the processes that you have gone through, it is money you are spending. It won’t make sense to cancel it. We will work collectively to resolve it,” the governor said.
The Aba–Owerri Road project covers about 16.3 kilometres, while the Achingali–Obizi Umunwanwa Road spans approximately 20.7 kilometres. Both projects were initially awarded by the Federal Government in 2019 and were later redesigned and re-awarded in 2024.
The roads link communities in Isiala Ngwa South and Umuahia South local government areas of Abia State with parts of Imo State.
While discussions with the Federal Government are ongoing, Governor Otti directed that urgent remedial work should begin on the severely degraded Umunwanwa–Ubakala section, which he described as a nightmare for commuters, especially during the rainy season.
“This is a fantastic time to do that before the rains come again,” he said, stressing the need for immediate intervention to ease hardship for residents.
Responding, Mr. Nwachukwu assured that with the necessary financial support, work on the Umunwanwa–Ubakala axis could be completed within one to one-and-a-half months, covering earthworks, drainage and asphalt laying.
Governor Otti emphasized that while the immediate focus is on the most critical sections, his administration’s goal is to see the entire projects completed.
“For us, the most important thing is to save the job and get funding for it. Since the 2025 budget is still open, we can get some money, depending on the negotiations. I have done it before,” he said.
The governor reiterated his administration’s policy of not discriminating between federal and state infrastructure projects, arguing that Abia residents are the primary beneficiaries regardless of which tier of government owns the road.
This approach, he noted, informed the state government’s intervention in the reconstruction of the Port Harcourt Road in Aba and the Omenuko Bridge, both federal assets. Ongoing interventions on federal roads in the state include the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road, Owerrinta–Umuikaa dualisation, Onuimo–Tower dualisation, and the Ohafia–Arochukwu Road.
In a vote of thanks, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, commended Governor Otti for consistently stepping in to alleviate the hardships faced by residents and urged the contractors to meet expectations.
The Abia State Commissioner for Works, Engr. Don Otumchere, also participated in the meeting.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
