Abia State on Friday moved to end years of gridlock and road hazards as Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti formally flagged off the reconstruction of the 25-kilometre Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene highway. The project described by state officials as a turning point for transport and trade across the region has drawn praise from local lawmakers, including Hon. Obi Aguocha, who applauded the governor’s “vision and determination” to complete the vital corridor.
The rehabilitation targets a stretch long notorious for potholes, flooding and stalled contracts that have disrupted daily life for motorists and communities linking Abia to neighbouring states. Governor Otti thanked the federal government for its cooperation and pledged that the road will be rebuilt to modern specifications, promising timely delivery and minimized disruption during works.
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Hon. Obi Aguocha, representing the federal constituency that includes Ikwuano and parts of Umuahia, described the flag-off as the “end of a nightmare” for commuters and traders who depend on the route for commerce and access to schools and hospitals. Aguocha emphasized that the project will boost economic activity, reduce travel time and improve safety for residents.
The rehabilitation comes after years of intermittent work and public pressure. Contractors who previously abandoned sections of the route have since remobilized, and stakeholders say renewed funding and federal approval were key to reigniting the project. State officials have also pledged close supervision to prevent further delays and ensure the road meets engineering standards.
Local business owners and transport unions welcomed the development, noting that a properly rebuilt Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene road will lower logistics costs, attract investors to the Aba–Umuahia corridor and enhance regional connectivity to Akwa Ibom and beyond. Residents were urged to cooperate with traffic management plans while the works proceed, as authorities said phased construction will prioritize safety and traffic flow.
As the project progresses, lawmakers and civil society have asked the administration to publish timelines and regular progress reports to ensure transparency and accountability. If delivered as promised, the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene rehabilitation could be one of the signature infrastructure wins for Governor Otti’s administration and a tangible boost to Abia’s economy.