FG Hands Over Key Abia Federal Roads to State Government Under New Infrastructure Partnership Model

The Federal Government has officially transferred responsibility for the completion of several major federal road projects in Abia State to the state government, marking what officials described as a new model of collaboration aimed at accelerating road infrastructure delivery under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The handover, authorised by President Tinubu, was announced by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, during a civic reception held in honour of Governor Alex Otti at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.

The affected projects include the Owerri–Umuaka Road, Onuigbo–Umuahia Road, Omezuo Bridge, and Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road — all key transport routes within the South-East economic corridor.

According to a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, the move followed a presidential approval allowing Abia State to take over the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the listed roads “based on a request and mutual understanding.”

Speaking at the event, Umahi commended Governor Otti for his “proactive and non-partisan approach” to governance, describing it as an example of leadership guided by public interest rather than political affiliation.

“I am pleased that many governors are taking decisive steps to address infrastructure challenges,” Umahi said, noting that the roads had been abandoned for years due to funding constraints before the current intervention.

He urged the people of Abia and the South-East to continue supporting President Tinubu’s administration, adding that the region had benefited from key federal projects and strategic appointments, including that of the Chief of Air Staff. Umahi also emphasised that Tinubu’s governance style promotes “fairness and inclusivity,” citing ongoing highway reconstructions across the region as proof of balanced development.

In his response, Governor Otti expressed gratitude to the President for approving the state’s involvement, calling it “a practical step that delivers real value to the people of Abia and Nigeria.”

“This is not our first intervention in federal projects,” Otti said. “What truly matters is that these roads are completed and our people benefit from improved connectivity and economic activity.”

Stakeholders across the region have lauded the partnership, describing it as a pragmatic approach that will enhance mobility, boost commerce, and foster regional integration between Abia and neighbouring states.

Earlier in the day, Umahi, accompanied by the governor, members of the National Assembly, and other officials, inspected ongoing works on the 56.1km Section II (Umuahia Tower–Aba) of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Dual Carriageway, handled by Arab Contractors (Nig.) Ltd. The minister criticised the contractor for delays and quality issues, giving the firm one month to complete the remaining 4.1km Aba-bound lane.

Umahi also visited the Aba–Port Harcourt section being handled by CCECC, expressing dissatisfaction over the slow pace and substandard work. Following intervention by Governor Otti, the minister descaled the contract—allowing CCECC to continue with the Aba-bound section while awarding the Port Harcourt-bound portion to Trucret (Nig.) Ltd., an indigenous company, under emergency repair terms.

The 41.4km project, originally awarded in 2017, will eventually become an eight-lane superhighway connecting Aba and Port Harcourt, improving access to critical national assets such as seaports, refineries, and industrial zones.

Umahi underscored the project’s strategic importance, saying it would significantly improve socio-economic activities and ease traffic between the two commercial hubs.

The handover of federal road projects to states, analysts note, signals a major policy shift under the Tinubu administration — one that encourages federal–state partnerships to fast-track stalled projects and enhance accountability in infrastructure delivery.

In August, Umahi had revealed that the ministry was reviewing dormant federal contracts and considering cost-sharing arrangements with states to accelerate project completion — a model that could soon be replicated nationwide, especially in regions where road connectivity is essential for trade and logistics.