Leaders from Ikwuano and Umuahia in Abia State have appealed to the Federal Government to ensure the speedy completion of the 51-kilometer Umuahia-Ikwuano-Ikot Ekpene road, a crucial link between Abia and Akwa Ibom States.
The call was made during a stakeholders’ meeting in Umuahia, where community leaders emphasized the urgent need for adequate funding to facilitate the road’s completion and alleviate the suffering of commuters.
Professor Azubuike Onyebuchi, the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Umuahia, highlighted the road’s importance in providing timely medical attention. He noted that an improved road network would significantly enhance emergency response for critically ill patients requiring urgent care at the hospital.
Stakeholders at the meeting also stressed the need for the Federal Government to address critical sections of the road, particularly the gully erosion-affected areas in Ikwuano and deteriorating portions in Umuahia.
Hon. Sam Onuigbo, the South East representative on the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), acknowledged the Federal Government’s recent intervention in the project. He expressed appreciation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of an additional ₦14.37 billion for the road’s rehabilitation on February 3, 2025.
Onuigbo further commended the President for approving the construction of a Federal Secretariat at Ekeoba, Ohuhu in Umuahia North Local Government Area, describing it as a significant step towards infrastructural development in Abia State.
Despite these commitments, some community members criticized the contractors for the slow pace of work, urging them to expedite construction to ease the suffering of road users.
Recounting his long-standing efforts to secure funding for the project, Onuigbo revealed that he had repeatedly lobbied the Federal Government, including former Minister of Works Babatunde Fashola, for intervention. His persistence led to the transfer of the project’s funding to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) in 2021, ensuring continued work on the road through the Road Tax Credit Scheme.
He warned against returning the project to conventional ministry funding, arguing that it could result in further delays. Instead, he urged serving political officeholders and stakeholders to intensify efforts to secure sustained funding from NNPCL to ensure the road’s timely completion.
Onuigbo also drew attention to the gully erosion at Kilometer 10 in Amawom Village, Oboro, which has already consumed properties and poses a severe threat to the road. He called on the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, to prioritize erosion control measures and ensure that the ongoing 16-kilometer Umuahia-Umudike dualization project is properly awarded and executed.
As the road project progresses, Onuigbo urged continued collaboration among government agencies, stakeholders, and community members. He also acknowledged the efforts of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, in championing infrastructural development in the South East, particularly through the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).
While expressing optimism that the road’s full reconstruction will be achieved, Onuigbo called on the people of Ikwuano, Umuahia, and the South East region to remain patient and supportive as efforts to complete the project continue.
“This road remains a priority for us. We must all work together to ensure its successful completion for the benefit of our people and economic growth of the region,” he stated.
With ongoing rehabilitation efforts and increased government funding, hopes are high that the Umuahia-Ikwuano-Ikot Ekpene road will soon be completed, providing much-needed relief to commuters and enhancing regional connectivity between Abia, Akwa Ibom, and beyond. However, stakeholders continue to push for sustained momentum to prevent delays and ensure the project’s success.
