President Bola Tinubu has greenlit the design and procurement of two significant federal road projects aimed at enhancing connectivity and stimulating economic activity across Nigeria’s South-East region.
The approvals follow a July 1 meeting between Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the President, where infrastructure deficits in the region were raised as a priority concern, according to Ejimofor Opara, the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on New Media.
In a statement released Thursday in Awka, Opara confirmed that the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, subsequently requested detailed proposals for priority roads. Governor Soludo submitted two major corridors for consideration on July 3.
The approved projects encompass the 108-kilometre Otuocha–Anam–Abaji Road and the 150-kilometre Oba–Nnewi–Uga–Ihube/Okigwe Junction Road, both slated for dualisation.
The Ministry of Works formally confirmed the Presidential approval for both projects on July 15.
Strategic Economic Corridors
Described as vital regional arteries, the roads are expected to transform transportation links between the South-East, North-Central, and other parts of the country.
The Otuocha–Anam–Abaji corridor will establish a crucial connection between Anambra and Kogi states, while the Oba–Nnewi–Uga–Ihube/Okigwe Junction Road will improve access between Anambra, Imo, and Abia, linking directly to the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway.
Beyond reducing travel times and transportation costs, the projects are anticipated to facilitate trade, improve market access, and accelerate regional economic growth.
Opara noted that the approvals demonstrate the fruits of constructive federal-state engagement on infrastructure development, adding that additional strategic projects for the South-East are being pursued to support sustainable regional development.
