Leaders from Ikwuano and Umuahia in Abia State have called on the Federal Government to expedite the completion of the 51-kilometer Umuahia-Ikwuano-Ikot Ekpene road, which connects Abia and Akwa Ibom states.
During a stakeholders’ meeting in Umuahia on Monday, they emphasized that the timely release of funds would facilitate the road’s swift completion and alleviate the suffering of road users.
The Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Professor Azubuike Onyebuchi, highlighted the road’s importance, stating that its completion would ensure faster transportation of patients in need of urgent medical care.
The stakeholders also urged the government to prioritize fixing the remaining sections, particularly erosion-prone areas in Ikwuano and deteriorating portions along the Umuahia axis of the federal road.
Speaking at the meeting, Sam Onuigbo, the South East representative on the North East Development Commission (NEDC) board, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for approving an additional N14.37 billion on February 3, 2025, for the project, which serves as a vital link between Akwa Ibom State and Cameroon.
He also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for greenlighting the construction of a Federal Secretariat at Ekeoba, Ohuhu in Umuahia.
Meanwhile, some community members criticized the contractor for the slow pace of work, urging authorities to ensure timely project delivery.
