Tinubu inherited N13trn debt, 268 road projects – Umahi

David Umahi, Minister of Works, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu inherited over N13 trillion in debts and more than 268 ongoing road projects nationwide as Federal Government intensifies efforts to fix critical infrastructure and ease transportation challenges across the Country.

Umahi disclosed this while inspecting ongoing projects in the South-East, including the Abakpa Junction flyover, Eke-Obinagu flyover in Enugu, and the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway.

He noted that before the present administration assumed office in May 2023, motorists could hardly travel for one hour on most Nigerian roads without encountering serious challenges due to poor conditions.

According to him, the situation is gradually improving as massive road construction and rehabilitation projects are being executed across the country.

“We inherited terrible debts, over N13 trillion and more than 268 projects as at May 2023. You are aware that you couldn’t drive for one hour without encountering bad roads, but that is becoming history based on what the president is doing,” he said.

The minister expressed optimism that ongoing interventions would significantly reduce complaints from Nigerians, stressing that although not all projects could be completed overnight, the government remains focused and undistracted.

He added that the Ministry is committed to the directive of the president to ensure proper road connectivity across the country through the construction of durable roads and bridges.

As part of immediate measures to ease transportation challenges, Umahi directed the reopening of a 15-kilometre stretch of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway on or before the 31st of this month.

He explained that the move was aimed at providing relief to road users and boosting economic activities in the South East, given the advanced stage of work on the corridor.

Umahi described the Enugu–Onitsha and Enugu–Port Harcourt routes as critical economic arteries that had long suffered from traffic congestion, tanker-related accidents, and deteriorating pavement conditions.

He, however, expressed confidence that the ongoing reconstruction would permanently address those challenges.

Umahi commended Peter Mba, Enugu State Governor, for supporting federal projects, particularly the Abakpa flyover, noting that the State Government assisted in compensation payments and relocation of key utilities such as high-tension power lines and water pipelines.

Chimalo Ezeugo, Project Contractor, speaking on the progress of the Abakpa flyover, said that piling works were ongoing, with 15 out of the required 40 piles already completed, and added that the project, expected to span about 800 metres, would be delivered within one year.

Ezeugo explained that the flyover would link major routes within the Enugu-Abakpa axis and significantly ease traffic flow in densely populated areas such as Trans-Ekulu and the Government Reserved Area.

Lawrence Ubi, the resident engineer on the Enugu–Onitsha project, in his submission confirmed that the 15-kilometre section earmarked for reopening was about 95% completed and structurally sound.