UMUAHIA, NIGERIA — A detailed investigation has confirmed that the reconstruction of the Umuahia–Ikwuano–Ikot Ekpene federal road began in 2016 through the legislative intervention of former federal lawmaker Rep. Sam Onuigbo, countering recent claims by Governor Alex Otti’s administration that the project was newly initiated by the Abia State Government .
The critical interstate highway, linking Abia State to Akwa Ibom State, had deteriorated for years until Onuigbo, who represented Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, raised a motion on May 26, 2016, drawing federal attention to the road’s deplorable state . Following engagement with the then Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) carried out emergency palliative repairs later that year .
On December 16, 2016, the first official rehabilitation intervention was flagged off at Okweukwu in Oboro, Ikwuano Local Government Area, in an event organized by Onuigbo . In 2019, the Federal Government under Muhammadu Buhari awarded a major reconstruction contract for the entire 49-kilometre stretch to Hartland Nigeria Limited and Raycon & Company Nigeria Limited .
By the time the Abia State Government recently announced its intervention, approximately 24.5 kilometres of the road had already been reconstructed, including critical sections in both Abia and Akwa Ibom states . Completed portions included FMC Umuahia–ORPET axis, Amawom–Isiala Oboro section, and the Ikot Ekpene–Obot Akara section in Akwa Ibom .
The Controller of Works of the Federal Ministry of Works in Abia State, Chidi Uwaeziozi, clarified that the Federal Government rescoped the project into two phases early last year . Phase One, still under federal supervision and handled by Hartland Construction Company, is nearing completion with about 1.5 kilometres left . Phase Two now falls under the Abia State Government’s responsibility, beginning from where Hartland ends .
Observers note that a “flag-off” typically signals the commencement of a new project rather than the continuation of an existing one, raising questions about the characterization of the recent ceremony . Onuigbo expressed dissatisfaction with the announcement, arguing that portraying the road as a fresh initiative undermines years of advocacy and legislative work that attracted federal attention and funding .
Stakeholders emphasize that clarity on the scope of responsibilities between the Federal Government and the Abia State Government will be critical to ensuring the project’s full completion and avoiding further controversy .
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