Enugu State Embarks on Massive N183bn Road Construction

Governor Peter Mbah

161 roads to get N183bn facelift in Enugu State...

Enugu State Government approves N183 billion for 161 road projects, aiming to boost economy and eradicate poverty. Projects cover all zones, including Emene, Thinkers Corner, Abakpa, and more.

The Enugu State Government has given the green light for a massive road construction project, allocating N183 billion for the development of 161 roads statewide. The project will focus on upgrading infrastructure in both urban and rural areas.

Out of the 161 roads, 141 will be located within Enugu metropolis, while the remaining 20 will be spread across the state's three senatorial zones, targeting rural communities. This move aims to enhance connectivity and accessibility across the state.

In addition to the road construction project, the government has also approved the establishment of 133 new smart schools, bringing the total number to 260. This initiative aims to provide one smart school per political ward, revolutionizing education in Enugu State.

According to a statement released by Governor Peter Mbah's media office on Sunday, these approvals were made during the state Executive Council meeting, which was presided over by the governor at the Government House in Enugu.

Professor Chidiebere Onyia, Secretary to the State Government, revealed that Governor Mbah's administration is implementing a comprehensive road construction program as a key strategy to stimulate Enugu State's economic growth, targeting a significant increase from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, and ultimately aiming to eliminate poverty altogether, with a goal of achieving a zero percent poverty rate.

“Recall that before now, the state's total budget hovered around N100bn and N120bn with capital expenditure of about N30bn or capital expenditure to budget ratio of about 25 to 35 per cent,” Onyia said.

“However, in keeping with Governor Mbah's promise to de-risk investments, boost production, and run a lean and prudent government, the governor proposed an unprecedented N521.5bn 2024 budget with a capital expenditure totalling over N400bn, which is an equivalent of capital expenditure to totalling over N400bn, which is an equivalent of capital expenditure to budget ratio of about 80 per cent and recurrent expenditure ratio of about 20 per cent.

“Accordingly, the theme that we took away from the Exco today is doubling down. The government is doubling down on infrastructure. If you recall, we started with 71 urban roads and 10 rural roads last year. Now, the governor and the Executive Council have also approved 141 urban roads and 20 rural roads.”

Professor Onyia further emphasized that the Enugu State government is committed to improving the standard of living for all residents, regardless of location, with a focus on bridging the gap between urban and rural areas to ensure equitable development and enhanced quality of life statewide.

“It is noteworthy that although the rural roads are 20 in number, compared to 141 in Enugu metropolis, they are more, nearly three times those approved for Enugu urban in terms of kilometres,” he explained.

“This is part of the strategies to improve the quality of life in rural communities and importantly to de-risk investments in agriculture.

“Outside security, which we are effectively dealing with, the big elephant in the room is to scale up the production and movement of produce from farmlands to the market.

“We also understand the need for processing, hence the heavy investments in road infrastructure.”

According to Gerald Otiji, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, the current phase of road construction projects encompasses several key routes, including:

• Dualization of the 41.3km Abakpa Nike-Opi-Nsukka Road, featuring bridges

• Dualization of Penocks Junction-Nike Lake Road, leading to the T-Junction Flyover

• Nomeh-Mburubu-Nara Road, with two bridges

• Umabi-Ehuhe Achi Road, including a spur to Agbudu-Ihe-Owelli-Ogugu via the Enugu-Port Harcourt old road

• Nomeh-Oduma Road

• Mburubu-Nkereffi Road

• Amodu-Akpugo Road

In addition to the previously mentioned projects, the Enugu State government also approved several other road construction initiatives, including:

• Iheaka-Ibagwa Road and Ibagwa-Itchi-Unadu-Alor Agu-Ibeje Road

• Amagunze-lhuokpara-Ugbawka Road with a bridge

• Obeleagu Umana (Nkwo Ezeagu)-Omughu Umana-Aguobu-Umumba Road

• Nara-Nkerefi Road with a bridge

• Amagunze-Akpawfu Road and Amagu-Attakwu-Akegbe Ugwu-Akpasha Road

• Obinagu Udi-Isu Awa Road and Nsukka-Ibagwa-Ogurute-Ette Road

• Obuofia-Obeagu-Akegbe Ugwu Road and Obinofia-Ndiagu-Ugwuoba Road by Enugu-Onitsha expressway

• Orie Engine-Aguobu-Umumba-Ebenebe Road to Anambra State border

• Ituku Roads and Ozalla Roads, among others.

According to Otiji, the selection of the 141 roads for construction and reconstruction was a strategic process, ensuring that all zones in the state were represented. 

These zones include:

• Emene

• Thinkers Corner

• Abakpa

• Trans Ekulu/New GRA/Old GRA

• Awkunanaw (encompassing Achara Layout, Uwani, and Gariki)

• Independence Layout

• Ogui/Asata

• Coal Camp

The government's deliberate approach aimed to achieve comprehensive coverage and equitable distribution of infrastructure development across the state.