The Federal Government has announced that the long-awaited reconstruction of the Eleme-Onne axis of the East-West Road in Rivers State will be completed and commissioned by December 2025.
Minister of Works, Dr. David Umahi, gave the assurance on Wednesday during an inspection tour of the 15km stretch—Section IIIA—of the road, which runs from Eleme Junction to Onne Junction. The N156 billion project, handled by Reynolds Construction Company (Nigeria) Limited, lies within one of Nigeria’s most vital economic corridors, providing access to the Port Harcourt refinery, petrochemical facilities, Onne port, and several other key industries.
The road, notorious for its years of decay and countless accidents, has sparked repeated protests by local communities and commuters. Its reconstruction was originally flagged off by former President Muhammadu Buhari and now falls under the purview of the Tinubu-led administration.
“This is about my ninth visit to this site, which tells you how critical this project is to Mr. President,” Umahi said during his visit. “We have directed the contractor to complete the first carriageway, which has been selected for commissioning in the next ten days. They will work day and night, and I’m confident they’ll deliver.”
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The Minister expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work so far, noting that the project—when fully completed—will stand the test of time. “The quality of work is such that this road will last between 50 to 100 years without needing maintenance,” he said. “Unlike before, where Nigeria was building roads, this administration is constructing durable roads.”
Umahi also disclosed that some segments originally earmarked for flyovers and bridges would be temporarily completed with asphalt pending the dry season, after which full-scale construction would resume. “The total project spans 30 kilometers and includes four lanes, solar-powered streetlights, CCTV installations, tolling points, and relief parks to discourage roadside parking. It’s going to be a beauty when it’s done,” he added.
The second carriageway—leading toward Port Harcourt—will begin after the first is completed, with June 1, 2025, set as the start date. Meanwhile, Federal Controller of Works for Rivers State, Engr. Enwereama Tarilade, confirmed that only 60 metres of the first carriageway remained unfinished and would be ready in a matter of days.
“We promised the public that this section would be completed and opened, and we’ve kept that promise,” she said. “In two days, this 15.25-metre-wide lane will be fully operational, easing traffic flow as we shift focus to the opposite carriageway.”
With December in view, the Federal Government says President Tinubu may choose to commission the nearly completed section immediately or wait for the entire project to be ready for an elaborate ceremony.
One Response
156bn Naira for 30km stretch of road? Oh…maybe air conditioning units would be installed on the road such that we would be driving through the snow along that stretch!
Nigeria, we hail thee!!