The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has stated that the third phase of the East-West Road, a 15km four-lane dual concrete highway from Eleme to Onne in Rivers State, is expected to be completed by December 2025. During an inspection of the road’s reconstruction, he also announced that the Eleme section would be accessible to the public within ten days.
Umahi emphasized the road’s significance to the economy, as it connects to vital industrial areas, explaining that it has been redesigned with reinforced concrete for enhanced durability. He remarked, “This project lies within a crucial economic corridor of Nigeria. There are numerous facilities here, including petrochemical plants, refineries, and various companies. The quality of work being carried out is commendable.”
He instructed the contractor to finalize this section of the road for commissioning within the next ten days, highlighting the need for round-the-clock work, and expressed confidence in their ability to meet this deadline.
Umahi noted that while some portions of the road initially planned to include flyovers and bridges would be temporarily finished with asphalt, full structural work would take place during the dry season. He detailed, “The entire section will be opened. I understand there are parts designated for flyovers and bridges, but I’ve instructed that they use asphalt to complete those sections until dry season allows us to resume work on the flyovers.”
He added that they would return to Onne by June 1, 2025, to continue improvements similar to those made on the Eket-bound side.
Additionally, the Minister praised President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to infrastructure development in the nation, stating, “I greatly commend the President for his courage and dedication to constructing roads. Previously, Nigeria was merely building roads, but now we are actively developing them. Though it was challenging, the President’s determination has yielded excellent results, and the project’s quality will ensure durability for 50 to 100 years with minimal maintenance.”
The project is valued at N156 billion and features 30km of four lanes, including solar lights, CCTV installation, toll points, and rest areas to discourage parking on the road, promising a stunning final outcome.
