The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that Section 3 of the East-West Road, which stretches 15 kilometers from Eleme Junction to Onne Junction in Rivers State, will be completed and opened to the public by December 2025.

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, gave the assurance during an inspection tour of the project site in Rivers State.

He further announced that the long-awaited Eleme section will be ready for public use in the next 10 days.

Speaking with journalists after touring the area, Umahi emphasised the economic importance of the road corridor to the nation, particularly its role in facilitating movement to key oil and gas infrastructure located in the Onne area.

The minister, who was accompanied by the Controller of Works for Rivers State, Tarilade Enwereama, interacted with representatives of Reynolds Construction Company (RCC), the contractors handling the project.

Enwereama praised the quality of work done so far, boldly stating that the rehabilitated section of the road is expected to last between 50 to 100 years.

“This road is being done with the highest engineering standards, and we expect it to serve Nigerians for many decades,” Enwereama noted.

Umahi reiterated that the entire Section 3—including areas earmarked for flyovers—will be delivered on schedule.

He pegged the total cost of the ongoing construction work at ?156 billion, reaffirming the Tinubu administration’s commitment to completing high-impact infrastructure projects.

“This is a national economic asset, and we are determined to finish it. The Eleme portion will be open in 10 days, and the entire stretch to Onne by December,” Umahi said.

This marks the ninth visit of the Minister to the site since work commenced. His frequent inspections, combined with visible progress on the ground, signal a renewed focus on infrastructural delivery in Nigeria’s South-South region.

Residents and commuters along the corridor have expressed cautious optimism, hoping the December deadline will finally bring an end to years of traffic nightmares and economic disruptions along the busy route. (The Nation)