‘Tinubu inherited over N13trn Dept, 268 abandon projects from Ex- administration – Umahi 

By Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki 

The Minister of Works, David Umahi has said that President Bola Tinubu administration inherited a terrible debts of over thirteen Trillion naria and over 268 abandoned projects across the country.

The former governor of Ebonyi State, Umahi emphasized that the President is currently fixing the projects and the new ones.

He made this known while addressing newsmen during the inspection of road projects in the South East region on Monday.

Umahi inspected the ongoing construction of Abakpa junction flyover, Enugu, Eke-Obinagu flyover, Enugu and the Enugu–Onitsha expressway.

He said before the President took over the mantle of leadership,  drivers couldn’t drive through many roads for one hour  without having challenge of bad road

The Minister said such challenges are becoming a history based following massive project construction across the country by the President.

“We inherited very terrible debts, over N13trn  and over 268 projects as at May, 2023.

“You are aware that you can’t drive through any road for one hour in this without having challenge of bad road but that is becoming a history based on what the President is doing.

 “We thank God almighty for the life of the President and I am happy that our people’s complaints about road challenges are becoming much less.

“Everything will not be completed over night but we are very committed, we are not distracted, we are carrying out the directive of Mr. President to ensure that the entire country is properly connected with roads and bridges”, he stated.

Umahi directed the  reopening of 15-kilometre stretch of the Enugu–Onitsha expressway  on or before 31st of this month for public use to ease  transportation challenges and boost economic activities across the South East following its advanced stage.

According to him, the directive is part of the Federal Government’s commitment to providing immediate relief to road users while ensuring long-term infrastructure durability.

He noted that the Enugu–Onitsha and Enugu–Port Harcourt corridors are among the most strategic routes in the South East, historically plagued by traffic congestion, tanker accidents, and deteriorating pavement conditions.

He expressed optimism that ongoing reconstruction efforts would permanently reverse the trend.

Highlighting intergovernmental collaboration, Umahi commended Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, for supporting federal projects, particularly the Abakpa flyover project. 

He disclosed that the Enugu state government contributed to compensation payments and facilitated the relocation of critical utilities, including high-tension power lines and water pipelines.

Project contractor of the Abakpa junction flyover, Engineer Chimalo Ezeugo, said piling works are ongoing, with 15 out of the required 40 piles already completed and additional ones in progress. 

The project is expected to span approximately 800 metres, with a delivery timeline of one year.

Ezeugo explained that the flyover would connect key routes within the Enugu-Abakpa axis and significantly improve traffic flow, particularly in high-density areas such as Trans-Ekulu and the Government Reserved Area (GRA).

Responding, Resident Engineer on the Enugu–Onitsha project, Engineer Lawrence Ubi, confirmed that the 15-kilometre section is about 95 per cent complete and structurally sound. He assured that the road meets required engineering standards and is ready for use.