The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the Eleme section of the East-West road, leading to the Oil and Gas Free Zone in Onne, Rivers State, by December 2025. The pledge was made by Olufunsho Adebiyi, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, during an inspection tour of federal road projects in Rivers State.
In his remarks, Adebiyi emphasized the government’s determination to complete all ongoing road projects across the country, citing the East-West road as a key priority. “For your information, I have decided, this project must be commissioned this year, at all costs,” he declared, underscoring the seriousness of the project.
The Permanent Secretary also made it clear that the government is unwavering in its resolve to meet the December 2025 deadline. “Anyone who stands in our way, we’ll bulldoze. Mr. President is very passionate about this project. So we must commission this project by December this year. It can be earlier, but I’m putting December because I don’t want to come back with stories. We are not joking. This project has come to stay, and not only this project but several other projects.”
He went on to urge truck drivers and residents to avoid actions that could damage the newly constructed pavements of the roads. “I just drove through the Enugu-Port Harcourt axis, and some completed sections, if you see it, you’ll be proud of it. On the Aba side, the completed sections look so beautiful,” Adebiyi said, praising the quality of work done so far.
It bears mentioning that he expressed concern over the misuse of completed sections, particularly in Port Harcourt, where some roads have become dumping grounds. “By the time you are in Port Harcourt, the completed sections have become like dustbins. Waste bins are in their heaps,” he lamented. He also highlighted the damaging effects of truck drivers using the pavements to park, spill diesel and engine oil, and dry food items. “These things are damaging to our pavement structure,” he added, urging the public to take responsibility for the maintenance of these valuable assets.
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In addition to the East-West road, Adebiyi visited the ongoing Bodo-Bonny road project, where he expressed satisfaction with the progress so far. However, he stressed the need for the contractor to increase the pace of work to ensure the project is completed on time.
It is worth noting that the Federal Government’s renewed focus on infrastructure projects like the East-West road reflects its commitment to enhancing connectivity and driving economic growth in key regions of the country. With the scheduled completion of the Eleme section by December 2025, officials remain hopeful that the project will significantly boost access to the vital Oil and Gas Free Zone in Onne.
