Former lawmaker and current South East representative on the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Rt. Hon. Sam Onuigbo FCIS, FNIM, KJW, has expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his decisive intervention in ensuring the completion of the 49.5-kilometre Umuahia–Ikwuano–Ikot Ekpene Federal Road.
“This strategic road connects the West, the North and the East to the South-South states of Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, and even Cameroon.
— Sam Onuigbo
By Abdulrahman Aliagan,
Former lawmaker and current South East representative on the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Rt. Hon. Sam Onuigbo FCIS, FNIM, KJW, has expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his decisive intervention in ensuring the completion of the 49.5-kilometre Umuahia–Ikwuano–Ikot Ekpene Federal Road.
Addressing journalists in Umuahia on Wednesday, Onuigbo lauded President Tinubu for directing the Abia State Government, under Governor Alex Chioma Otti OFR, to take over and complete the reconstruction of the remaining 25 kilometres of the key highway. He described the presidential directive as “a show of wisdom and kindness,” and further evidence that the Tinubu-led administration has the interests of the South East at heart.
“This strategic road connects the West, the North and the East to the South-South states of Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, and even Cameroon,” Onuigbo said, recalling his long-standing efforts dating back to 2016 to facilitate the rehabilitation of the route.
He recounted how, as a member of the House of Representatives, he first moved a motion on May 26, 2016, calling attention to the deplorable condition of the road—particularly between Ndoro and Okweukwu communities in Oboro Clan, Ikwuano Local Government Area. This was followed by visits to the then Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, whose ministry subsequently directed the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to carry out emergency repairs.
Following persistent lobbying, Onuigbo said the Federal Government in 2019 awarded contracts for the road’s reconstruction to Hartland Nigeria Limited and Raycon & Company Nigeria Limited. However, funding constraints caused by economic recession and the COVID-19 pandemic hampered progress.
In 2021, Onuigbo wrote to the Federal Ministry of Works recommending alternative funding through the SUKUK Bond or NNPCL Tax Credit Scheme. His proposal was eventually approved by the Federal Government through an Executive Order, transferring sponsorship of the project to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
“In appreciation, I wrote separate letters to the Honourable Minister and the Coordinating Engineer of the ministry, commending their support for the approval,” he said, citing an official confirmation from the ministry dated November 21, 2021, which informed him that the project had been approved under the NNPC Road Tax Credit Scheme.
Onuigbo further disclosed that the Federal Executive Council, on February 3, 2025, approved an additional ₦14.37 billion for the road’s completion. He expressed delight that President Tinubu has now gone a step further by authorizing Governor Otti to complete the remaining section.
“This act reaffirms the President’s commitment to fairness, inclusion, and partnership across the South-East,” Onuigbo said, while commending Governor Otti for his willingness to collaborate with the Federal Government to deliver the vital project.
He also praised the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, for his “continuous supervision and technical guidance” to ensure steady progress on the project.
Calling for sustained community support, Onuigbo urged residents along the corridor to cooperate with the contractors and protect public infrastructure. He also charged the new contractors to expedite action on critical components such as drainage, erosion control, and ancillary works to ensure timely delivery.
“To my people of Ikwuano, I urge us to see this development as our shared victory — proof that when there is persistence, and the government listens, partnership works,” he said, reflecting on the transformation of the once dilapidated route.
“The same road which was once described as a ‘death trap’ now stands as a testament to resilience — and to a government that truly cares,” Onuigbo concluded.