Just In: Idembia–Ugwulangwu Concrete Road Construction To Begin In August – Umahi

By Wilson Okereke, Abakaliki

Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has announced that construction of the 19-kilometre Idembia–Ugwulangwu Road in Ebonyi State will commence in August 2026 as part of the Federal Government's commitment to improving road infrastructure across the country.

Umahi disclosed this on Sunday while speaking with journalists during an inspection of ongoing road projects at Isiophumini in Ebonyi State. He said the project, which will be constructed with rigid concrete pavement, will focus on the most deteriorated sections of the road linking Ezza South and Ohaozara Local Government Areas through Idembia and Ugwulangwu communities. The minister also highlighted progress on the Calabar–Ebonyi section of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, noting that his ministry is executing Section One of the project, which extends from Calabar to Ndibe Beach and includes the construction of a 25-span bridge to improve connectivity between Ebonyi and Cross River states. According to Umahi, the project also features a nine-kilometre dual carriageway designed to bypass the busy Eke Market in Afikpo, a development he described as a major boost to economic activities and traffic flow in the area. He commended President Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure development across all regions of the country.

"This is a big plus for the people of Afikpo. President Tinubu treats every part of the country as his hometown. The people of Afikpo should be grateful because they are among the highest beneficiaries of his legacy projects in Ebonyi South Senatorial Zone," Umahi said. The minister further revealed that the Federal Government is undertaking additional highway projects covering about 168 kilometres across parts of Benue, Enugu, Kogi and Nasarawa states through the Owete Bridge corridor, as well as another 130-kilometre stretch linking Owete, Makurdi and the Ninth Mile axis in Enugu State. He explained that the road network, when completed, would significantly reduce travel time between the South-East, South-South and the Federal Capital Territory. According to him, motorists travelling from Ebonyi State to Abuja would spend about three hours on the journey, while commuters from other parts of the South-East would reach the nation's capital within three to four hours. He added that travellers from the South-South would also benefit from an estimated six-hour travel time to Abuja. Umahi said the ongoing road projects reflect the Federal Government's commitment to strengthening regional connectivity, enhancing economic activities and improving the ease of transportation across Nigeria.