Following a tragic tanker explosion that claimed several lives at the Ugwu Onyeama section of the Enugu/Onitsha Expressway, the Federal Ministry of Works is demanding that MTN commit to paying contractors at least N15 billion per month for the next 10 months to fast-track the road’s completion. If MTN fails to comply, the ministry may consider terminating the project.
This resolution was reached during a meeting between Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, and a delegation from the Anambra and Enugu caucus of the 10th National Assembly. The lawmakers sought urgent intervention in the long-delayed road project, which is being handled by RCC Ltd and funded under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme.
It was agreed that MTN must engage three contractors to complete the 79-kilometer stretch within the original N202 billion contract sum. The remaining 72 kilometers of the road will be awarded to other contractors, and both MTN and RCC will be invited to bid as well.
Senator Umahi reassured the people of the South-East that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to improving transportation infrastructure in the region, just as in other parts of the country. He expressed deep sympathy for the lives lost due to the uncompleted road and emphasized that the South-East has every reason to trust Tinubu’s ability to address its road infrastructure challenges. He also praised the President’s leadership, highlighting the administration’s role in reducing farmer-herder conflicts in the South-East. Acknowledging the financial burden of ongoing projects, he noted that the 2,064 projects inherited by the administration, initially valued at N13 trillion, have now surpassed N20 trillion due to currency fluctuations and the removal of fuel subsidies.
Senator Osita Ngwu, the Senate’s Minority Whip and leader of the delegation, commended the minister’s efforts but raised concerns about inadequate funding for critical projects. He pointed out that some uncompleted sections of the expressway have become death traps for road users. The recent tanker explosion at Ugwu Onyeama prompted the delegation’s visit to the minister, as they seek urgent government intervention. While appreciating the approval of projects in the South-East, Ngwu stressed that without proper funding, they risk being seen as mere political gestures. He urged the Ministry to address funding gaps to ensure the timely completion of essential infrastructure in the region.
