FG Shifts to Concrete for Enugu–Onitsha Highway Upgrade

The Federal Government of Nigeria is implementing a significant shift in its road construction strategy on the Enugu–Onitsha highway, as announced by Minister of Works David Umahi. This change involves the adoption of reinforced concrete technology instead of the traditional asphalt approach, emphasizing durability and long-term cost efficiency.

Umahi disclosed this during the opening of a newly completed section of the highway on Thursday. The 72-kilometer stretch of road, which is being reconstructed with reinforced concrete at a cost of 150 billion Naira, is part of a larger 350 billion Naira project.

The first 15 kilometers of the concrete section is 97 percent complete and has been opened to traffic, providing relief for road users ahead of the Easter period. Umahi noted that the new standard aims to prevent the frequent failures associated with asphalt roads, which typically last only a few years.

The project has faced delays but is now being prioritized under the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.