David Umahi

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has dismissed criticism over the Eleme section of the East-West Road in Rivers State, describing those questioning its completion as “faceless stakeholders.”

Umahi explained that the section was previously awarded by the past administration for N156 billion, but that work never started until President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came into office and authorised its immediate commencement — a decision the Minister said President Tinubu deserves commendation for.

Some Ogoni stakeholders, led by the President of the KAGOTE (an umbrella body for Khana, Gokana, Tai, and Eleme Local Government Areas), Emmanuel Deeyah, recently alleged that Umahi misled President Tinubu into commissioning an incomplete road. But Umahi insisted the project is being implemented in phases and what was inaugurated was phase one, which includes a single carriageway.

“The stakeholders must be faceless, because even members of the opposition call me to appreciate the President for delivering this road,” Umahi said during a tour of the project on Thursday.

He further explained: “This is the first time in the Niger Delta we are using this kind of concrete pavement. So, we decided to commission the first phase — the first lane — while we continue with the rest, which includes the second lane, the bridges, and the flyover.”

He added: “I’ve directed the contractor to apply asphalt to the disjointed segments while we wait for the superstructure of the flyovers and bridges, and I’m giving them seven days to do that, in order to enable a smooth ride for motorists from Eleme Junction down to Onne.”

Umahi commended the contractor for their diligence and timeliness in delivering the first lane by April as scheduled. “We’re back to accelerate the rest — especially the bridges and flyover — and I’m delighted to see the expertise on the ground. The contractor is employing one of the most advanced technologies with 80-span bridges. So, I’m very happy with the progress. In the next 3–5 months, you will see a dramatic transformation in this place.”

He explained that President Tinubu made the East-West Road a key priority due to its significance to the country. “A lot of companies are located here; it’s the treasure base of the country. So, we are very much interested in delivering it. And we must remember this road had previously claimed lives — something the President finds unacceptable. So, we are rebuilding it to last 50 years.”

He further revealed that the federal government redesigned the road’s structure to enable greater durability, adding a 1-meter base with lumps, sharp sand, stone base, and 200mm of reinforced concrete pavement.

Umahi is expected to visit the Ahoada–Mbiama section of the East-West Road on Friday before wrapping up his tour in Rivers State.