South-East must be strategic in national politics – Umahi

…as FG moves to open key sections of Enugu–Onitsha highway

David Umahi, Minister of Works, has urged people of the South-East to adopt a more strategic and calculated approach in Nigeria’s political landscape, emphasising the need for the region to clearly understand and pursue its interests within the federation.

Umahi made the call on Monday during an inspection of the ongoing Enugu–Onitsha dual carriageway project, a major federal infrastructure linking the South-East to other parts of the Country.

Speaking to journalists after assessing progress on the road, the minister said the region must avoid being misled by divisive narratives and instead focus on constructive engagement with the Federal Government.

“We should be very clever and strategic to know what we are looking for in the comity of states in Nigeria,” Umahi stated.

He warned against individuals and groups who, according to him, incite the region against the government under the guise of advocacy.

“There are people that pretend that they are helping us, but they are actually inciting us against the government and the nation. We need to be strategic and wise enough to know when people are genuinely interested in our case,” he added.

The minister also called on the South-East to support President, noting that the current administration is making deliberate efforts to address longstanding infrastructure deficits in the region.

“Let us allow this man that has started to right the wrongs done to us in the past. With continuity, the Southeast will be fully integrated,” he said.

Umahi expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on the Enugu–Onitsha highway, describing it as one of the most critical routes in the Southeast.

The project, spanning about 107 kilometers (dualised to 214 kilometers), is being reconstructed largely with reinforced concrete, a shift from asphalt technology which the minister said has proven less durable.

According to him, significant portions of the road are already nearing completion, with at least 33 kilometers currently being handled using concrete technology in Enugu axis, while additional stretches in Anambra are also being upgraded.

He disclosed that sections of the road would be open in phases before the end of March to ease traffic and improve safety, especially around busy corridors such as the 82 Division and Air Force Base areas.

“We are on course. Some sections will be opened immediately, while others will follow after critical works like bridge joints are completed,” Umahi explained.

Earlier, the Resident Engineer on the project, Lawrence Udu, and Smart Ediam controller federal ministry of works Enugu field office said about 15 kilometers of the road had reached approximately 95% completion and is ready for use.

They described the construction quality as durable and long-lasting, noting that road users had already begun plying completed portions.

“We are proud of the work done. The road is standard and will serve the people for many years,” he said.

The minister further revealed that the highway would be equipped with solar-powered streetlights and roadside landscaping, including tree planting, to enhance safety and aesthetics.

He added that the project aligns with the administration’s broader infrastructure agenda, which includes similar concrete road designs across the country.

The minister issued a directive that the first 15-kilometre stretch must be open to traffic before the end of March, warning that failure to meet the deadline would attract administrative consequences.

“This president is a game changer. People should come and see what is happening. This is the kind of development we have been yearning for,” Umahi said.The Enugu–Onitsha road has long been considered a critical economic artery in southeastern Nigeria, previously plagued by accidents and heavy traffic congestion. Its ongoing reconstruction is expected to significantly improve transportation, commerce, and regional connectivity.