By Peace Udugba
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the construction of two major federal road projects aimed at improving transportation, trade, and economic development across Nigeria’s Southeast and adjoining regions.
The approval follows a meeting between President Tinubu and Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, on July 1, during which the governor presented the need for improved road infrastructure in the region.
According to Christian Aburime, shortly after the meeting, the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, requested the technical details of the proposed projects. Governor Soludo submitted the required documentation within two days.
On July 15, President Tinubu approved the commencement of the design and procurement process for the two strategic highways. They include the 108-kilometre Otuocha–Anam–Abaji (Kogi) Road and the 150-kilometre Oba–Nnewi–Uga–Ihube (Okigwe Junction) Road, which links Anambra and Imo states to the Enugu–Port Harcourt corridor through Abia State.
Both highways are to be dualised to improve traffic flow, enhance regional connectivity, and support economic activities across the Southeast, South-South, and North-Central regions.
The projects are expected to ease the movement of goods and people, particularly benefiting traders, farmers, students, businesses, and commuters who rely on the road network.
Aburime described the swift approval process as a demonstration of responsive governance, noting that less than two weeks elapsed between the initial discussions and the presidential approval.
He also commended President Tinubu for approving projects that extend beyond political and regional considerations, saying the roads will serve multiple states and strengthen national integration.
Governor Soludo was praised for championing infrastructure projects with regional significance rather than focusing solely on Anambra State.
According to Aburime, the governor’s approach reflects a commitment to the collective development of the Southeast and neighbouring regions.
The statement further highlighted the collaborative relationship between the Anambra State Government and the Federal Government, describing it as an example of how constructive engagement can deliver tangible development projects.
With the approval now secured, attention will shift to the design and procurement stages before construction begins. Stakeholders believe the projects will significantly improve transportation, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen regional integration across the affected states.
