Minister of Works Opens Critical Section of Enugu-Onitsha Expressway to Facilitate Easter Travel

Minister Dave Umahi opens a section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway to ease Easter traffic, highlighting the use of cement technology for durability.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 3, 2026, 4:05 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from THISDAYLIVE

Immediate Traffic Relief for the Southeast

In a direct move to ease the perennial holiday gridlock in the Southeast, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has officially opened a significant section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway. The opening specifically targets the stretch leading into Enugu State, which has historically been a bottleneck for travelers during festive periods. Umahi noted that the directive came directly from the Presidency to ensure that citizens traveling home for the Easter celebrations do not experience the grueling seven-hour delays that previously characterized the route. The opening is expected to significantly reduce the risk of heavy-duty vehicles failing at the notorious Ugwu Onyeama incline.

Infrastructure Technology and Funding

The Enugu-Onitsha Expressway project is being executed under the MTN tax credit scheme, a funding model that has been revitalized to push the project toward completion. Minister Umahi disclosed that the contract was reviewed for N202 billion to ensure the same high-quality standards as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal road. A notable technical shift in the project is the move away from traditional asphalt to cement technology. According to the Minister, asphalt is more prone to failure under heavy traffic, whereas cement provides superior durability and requires minimal maintenance, ensuring a longer lifespan for the critical regional artery.

Regional Development as a Policy Priority

During his inspection of the construction site, Minister Umahi framed the massive infrastructure projects in the zone as a strategic response to regional aspirations. He asserted that the current administration is addressing historical claims of marginalization through tangible developmental milestones. Beyond the road surface itself, the Minister has directed the installation of solar lighting and extensive tree planting along the Enugu-Onitsha corridor to enhance safety and environmental aesthetics. He cited these efforts as evidence of equity and fairness in the distribution of national resources.