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Tinubu Working Hard to Complete Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway — Umahi
ABIA STATE, Nigeria — The Minister of Works, David Umahi, says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working tirelessly to complete the reconstruction of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, one of Nigeria’s most important transport routes in the South-East and South-South regions.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking during an inspection tour of the project site on Monday, Umahi said the president has given “clear and consistent instructions” to ensure the highway is delivered on schedule. The minister said the federal government expects to complete and inaugurate the Section II of the road — from Umuahia to Aba — by June 2025.
“President Tinubu has prioritized this project. He wants it completed and ready for public use by next year,” Umahi said. “We are on track. Only about two kilometers of earthwork and four kilometers of asphalt work remain.”
The minister noted that funds for the remaining work have been included in the 2024 and 2025 federal budgets. He praised the project contractor, Arab Contractors (Nig.) Ltd., for what he described as “improved responsiveness” since the new directive from the president.
Umahi also commended the Abia State government for helping to clear traders and vehicles from the construction zones, which had been delaying work in some areas. “Governor Alex Otti has been very supportive. The cooperation of the state government has made a big difference in speeding up progress,” he said.
The Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway links major cities and markets across Enugu, Abia, and Rivers states. It serves as a vital commercial route for traders, transporters, and industries moving goods between the South-East and the South-South. However, years of neglect left the road in a dangerous condition, with potholes, erosion, and traffic jams causing frequent accidents.
Reconstruction of the road began under the previous administration but has faced funding and contractual challenges. When President Tinubu took office, Umahi vowed to make the project a top priority under the government’s “Renewed Hope” infrastructure agenda.
In January, the minister warned contractors handling federal highways that non-performance would no longer be tolerated. He said Tinubu’s administration is determined to deliver quality roads that can last for decades, not just temporary repairs.
“The president is very firm about road quality,” Umahi said. “He doesn’t want shortcuts or substandard materials. What we are building now will serve this region for the next 50 years if properly maintained.”
Umahi explained that the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway is part of a broader plan to upgrade major federal roads, including those connecting the South-East to the North and West. “We are working to open up the economy through better connectivity. Good roads will attract investment and make life easier for citizens,” he said.
Residents along the corridor have expressed optimism about the renewed pace of work. Transport unions say travel time between Enugu and Port Harcourt has already improved on completed sections, and businesses expect lower transportation costs once the full road is open.
Still, challenges remain. Heavy rains and logistics issues could delay the June 2025 completion target. Umahi said the ministry is monitoring progress weekly to ensure deadlines are met.
“This project will not be abandoned again,” he assured. “President Tinubu’s commitment is total. Nigerians will soon see the results.”
When completed, the expressway is expected to boost trade, reduce vehicle maintenance costs, and enhance safety for millions of road users. It will also symbolize progress in the federal government’s promise to revitalize infrastructure nationwide.
Analysts say successful delivery of the road could strengthen the Tinubu administration’s standing in the South-East, where residents have often complained of neglect in federal projects. For many, the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway has become a test case of whether the “Renewed Hope” agenda can translate into real change.
If the federal government meets its June 2025 target, the expressway’s reopening could mark one of the administration’s major infrastructure milestones — a sign that promises are being turned into progress on the ground.
Yakubu Gowon University (formerly University of Abuja) has graduated 17,300 students at its combined 29th and 30th convocation ceremonies held on Saturday at the main campus.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The university also conferred honorary Doctorate Degrees on Paul Odili, Founder and CEO of Paulo Group of Companies; Prof. Yusuf Ali, SAN; and Emmanuel Issa, in recognition of their contributions to society.
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, said the honourees were selected based on their character, achievements, and commitment to excellence.
He urged graduating students to focus on what they can contribute to national development, stressing that character, discipline, and integrity would determine their success beyond the classroom.
According to him, certificates may open doors, but personal values and conduct will shape long-term achievements.
The Vice Chancellor also reminded the graduates to uphold the reputation of the institution wherever they go.
Fawehinmi disclosed that the 29th convocation covered the 2022/2023 academic session, while the 30th covered 2023/2024, with thousands graduating across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Speaking after receiving his honorary award, Dr. Odili dedicated the recognition to Nigerians with dreams and encouraged young people to remain persistent in pursuing their goals.
He also pledged support for the university, promising collaboration aimed at addressing key challenges facing the institution.
The Federal Government has released an updated list of items banned from importation into Nigeria, in a move aimed at protecting local industries and reducing pressure on foreign exchange.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The revised prohibition schedule, dated April 1, 2026, outlines 17 broad categories of goods that are no longer allowed into the country through any entry point.
According to the Federal Ministry of Finance, the policy affects a wide range of products, including food items, pharmaceuticals, household goods, and industrial materials.
One of the most notable aspects of the list is the ban on several widely used medicines under specified HS codes, including paracetamol, metronidazole, cotrimoxazole, chloroquine, aspirin, folic acid, and some vitamin supplements. The government says these are now to be produced locally.
The restriction also covers pharmaceutical waste, which remains completely prohibited.
In the agriculture and food sector, the importation of poultry, pork, beef, and eggs remains banned, although an exception was made for hatching eggs used for breeding and research purposes.
Retail-packaged vegetable oils, sugar products, cocoa derivatives, tomato paste, and certain bottled water products are also included in the import restrictions, with emphasis on encouraging local production.
The policy further bars detergents, soaps, ballpoint pens and refills, cement, certain fertilizers, packaging materials, and specific steel and glass products.
The Nigeria Customs Service has been directed to enforce the new rules strictly, with importers and businesses advised to comply fully to avoid seizure of goods and penalties.
ADC chieftain and publisher, Dele Momodu, has dismissed calls for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, describing the push as unfair and politically motivated.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Momodu was reacting to comments by activist Zekeri Idris Jnr, a supporter of Peter Obi, who urged Atiku to step aside over concerns about his age, which would be about 80 by 2027.
In a post on his X handle on Saturday, Momodu said attention should be focused on holding the government accountable rather than targeting Atiku’s political ambition.
The exchange followed a viral video where Idris insisted that Atiku should support younger aspirants instead of contesting, arguing that voters would not back an elderly candidate.
Idris also suggested that Atiku should act as a statesman and support younger politicians such as Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and others.
Responding, Momodu cited several world leaders who held office at advanced ages, arguing that experience should not be dismissed in leadership discussions.
He questioned what should disqualify Atiku from contesting, insisting that age alone is not a valid reason.
Atiku, who lost the 2023 presidential election to President Bola Tinubu, is reportedly considering another run in 2027 under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
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