Anambra State Commissioner for Works Okey Ezeobi told reporters on Wednesday that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s close relationship with President Bola Tinubu has attracted federal infrastructure contracts valued at billions of naira to the state, notably a ₦180 billion bypass and a highway that will slash travel time to the capital.
Key points disclosed at the press briefing include: the Nkwelle‑Ezunaka bypass is projected to cost roughly ₦180 billion; the Anambra‑Abaji‑Kogi‑Abuja road is expected to reduce the Awka‑Abuja journey by five hours; two flyover projects at Regina Caeli Junction and the second gate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University have received presidential approval; the ministry has awarded contracts for 908.044 km of roads, of which 742 km are already asphalted; and only about 5 km of roads have experienced failures, representing less than 1 percent of the total network.
What federal projects have been announced?
The commissioner highlighted the Nkwelle Ezunaka bypass that will link the Enugu‑Onitsha Expressway to the Second Niger Bridge, passing through Ogbunike, Ogidi and Obosi. The federal government is funding the Anambra‑side of the scheme at an estimated ₦180 billion, marking what Ezeobi described as an unprecedented level of federal investment since Nigeria’s creation.
How will the new highway affect travel?
The Anambra‑Abaji‑Kogi‑Abuja road, another flagship project, is slated to cut the travel time between Awka and Abuja by about five hours, enabling same‑day round trips for commuters and officials.
Which flyovers received presidential nod?
Ezeobi said President Tinubu approved two flyovers after Governor Soludo raised safety concerns: one at Regina Caeli Junction, a known accident hotspot, and another at the second gate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka.
What is the quality of the roads under the Soludo administration?
Addressing criticism over road durability, the commissioner asserted that the majority of projects meet required standards. He attributed isolated failures to factors such as illegal dumping, blocked drainage, heavy‑vehicle breakdowns, poor water runoff from nearby buildings, and insufficient green spaces.
What are the ministry’s road statistics?
Ezeobi disclosed that the state has awarded contracts for 908.044 km of roads, with 742 km already surfaced with asphalt. In total, 143 road contracts have been issued, a figure he claims surpasses the combined achievements of the three previous governors.
"Anambra and the entire South East have never had it so good," Ezeobi declared, adding that the partnership between the governor and the federal government is the driving force behind the surge in infrastructure development.