The Nigerian government said that the reconstruction of the Enugu-Onitsha federal highway would cost 350 billion naira.
Minister of Works Engr David Umahi disclosed the information while inaugurating completed portions of the road.
He said that President Bola Tinubu had demonstrated unrivalled resolve to complete the project.
According to him, the federal government had reviewed the original 202 billion naira contract for the road and retained part of it.
His words: “The FG further carved a 72-kilometre stretch for reconstruction using reinforced concrete pavement, and this section costs about ₦150 billion. This section is being executed to higher durability standards similar to those used on the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.”
He also said, “This section is presently being opened to traffic to ease movement during the Easter celebration.”
Umahi further said, “Another 18-kilometre stretch is under construction towards Anambra, while a separate 39-kilometre segment extending from the River Niger Bridge axis is also ongoing.”
He explained that the first 15 kilometres of the reinforced concrete section were about 97 per cent completed, adding that contractors handling asphalt portions of the road had been directed to adopt the same concrete standard for the remaining 23 kilometres.
“This is due to the longer lifespan and minimal maintenance requirements of concrete roads compared to asphalt,” he said.
Umahi further said, “Asphalt fails over time, but concrete can last between 50 and 100 years with little or no maintenance.”
He disclosed that 50 per cent of the entire highway would be constructed on reinforced concrete to ensure improved durability and reduce long-term costs.
The Minister commended President Tinubu for his resolve to change the infrastructural narrative of the southeast, contending that other roads are also being reconstructed across the zone.
Voice of Nigeria reports that supervisors of various sections of the road commended the federal government for its support and pledged to complete the project in 2026.