The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has directed contractors handling the East-West Road to ensure its completion by November 2025.

During an inspection tour on March 12, 2025, Umahi reaffirmed the federal government?s commitment to delivering the long-awaited project, which serves as a vital link between key economic hubs in Nigeria?s South-South region.

?This project is not just about roads; it is about the lives and livelihoods of millions of Nigerians,? Umahi said.

?By November 30, 2025, the remaining sections must be fully completed. No more delays. The President has provided the necessary funding, and we expect nothing less than timely and high-quality work.?

The 361km road, spanning from Warri in Delta State to Oron in Akwa Ibom, has faced multiple setbacks since its initiation nearly two decades ago. The Ministry of Works has allocated ?524 billion to complete the remaining 117km, including dual carriageways and bridges across Bayelsa, Rivers, and other parts of the region.

Umahi noted that the recently completed 47km Section 2.1, inherited from the previous administration, is fully paid for and will be commissioned on May 31, 2025. The remaining 22km of Section 2.2?11km per carriageway?must be finished by the November deadline.

The Minister noted that at the Mbiama section, where flooding in 2023 damaged 3km of the road, Setraco has raised the elevation by one meter and added culverts to prevent future washouts. Work on the 54.5km Ahoada-to-Kaiama stretch is 70% complete, with 11 bridges and 14 box culverts finished on one side.

In the Eleme section, Umahi directed contractor RCC to speed up progress and redesign drainage using pre-cast systems for efficiency. He set an April 30, 2025, target for carriageway completion, though drainage work may extend beyond that.

With the road linking vital oil-producing areas?responsible for 1.5 million barrels per day?improved connectivity is expected to ease transport, support businesses, and lower food prices.

Economist Dr. Muda Yusuf predicts a 10-15% drop in transport costs by 2026, benefiting farmers, traders, and consumers.

However, challenges remain a projected 2.5% global price increase in 2025 could push project costs beyond the budgeted ?600 billion, and Nigeria?s foreign reserves have dropped 5.6% to $31.7 billion since March 2024, fueling funding challenges.

Despite this, contractors and industry stakeholders praised the government?s support, with RCC and Setraco officials affirming their commitment to meeting the November 2025 deadline. (The Nation)

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