By Muhammad Mamman
President Bola Tinubu has described Abia State as a vital part of Nigeria’s economic development agenda, saying the Federal Government’s investments in the state reflect its strategic importance.
Represented by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, Tinubu made the remarks on Friday during the inauguration of seven newly completed roads in Aba.
He commended the people of Abia for their warm reception, noting that their support symbolised confidence in both the state government and ongoing infrastructure projects. The inaugurated roads — including Gabriel Nwosu Road, Ajiwe Road, Pepple’s Road, Ndoki Road, Umuatako Road, Ohanku Road, and Port Harcourt Road — were hailed by Tinubu as key to “restoring Aba’s lost glory.”
The President highlighted several major federal projects underway in the state, including the ₦66 billion Umuahia–Aba Motorway, which he said is nearing completion, and the 49-kilometre Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road, of which 14 kilometres have already been finished. The remaining stretch, he added, had been handed over to Governor Alex Otti at his request for completion.
Tinubu revealed that the Lagos–Calabar coastal highway would intersect with the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road in Akwa Ibom, cutting travel time between Abia and Lagos to about five hours. He also announced progress on the ₦65 billion Ikot Ekpene–Aba section and the dualisation of the 43-kilometre Aba–Port Harcourt road, which will reduce the journey to Port Harcourt to just 30 minutes once completed.
Addressing economic reforms, Tinubu said Nigeria’s foreign reserves had climbed to $42 billion, while inflation had dropped below 20 per cent. He assured residents that he would personally visit Abia before the end of the year.
Governor Otti, in his remarks, thanked the Federal Government for its support, crediting the partnership for the revival of Aba’s commercial activities. He commended Minister Umahi for his dedication to the president’s development vision and praised Tinubu for his focus on infrastructure, security, and economic recovery.
Earlier in Umuahia, Tinubu inaugurated the renovated Okpara Auditorium, lauding Otti for transforming it into “a sight of beauty.”
