Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has earned the trust and political support of the South-East through what he described as unprecedented investment in critical infrastructure across the region.
The Governor said the Federal Government’s ongoing road and transport projects have changed the development landscape of the South-East, adding that the visible improvements should encourage the region to support Tinubu if he seeks another term in office in the 2027 presidential election.
Nwifuru made the remarks on Tuesday while inspecting the construction of the 118-kilometre Trans-Saharan Highway, a major federal road project stretching from Ndibe Bridge in Afikpo through several communities in Ebonyi State before linking Gboko in neighbouring Benue State.
During the inspection, the Governor visited different sections of the project, including the proposed flyover at Ukwuachi, where he commended the pace of work and reiterated his administration’s commitment to collaborating with the Federal Government on projects capable of boosting economic activities.
According to him, the ongoing infrastructure drive under President Tinubu has demonstrated that the administration is committed to addressing long-standing development challenges in the South-East.
He noted that roads, bridges and other strategic projects remain essential for economic growth because they improve transportation, facilitate trade and create opportunities for businesses and residents.
Nwifuru said the people of Ebonyi State have witnessed significant federal attention in recent months, describing the projects as evidence that the current administration understands the importance of providing infrastructure that directly improves citizens’ lives.
The Governor maintained that Government is judged not only by its promises but also by projects that people can see and benefit from daily.
He praised Tinubu for prioritising road construction and other public infrastructure, saying such investments would strengthen regional connectivity and open more communities to commerce and development.
Nwifuru stressed that the South-East had every reason to appreciate the Federal Government’s efforts, insisting that the infrastructure projects represent meaningful progress for the region.
He added that the scale of ongoing federal projects provides a strong basis for continued political support, arguing that leadership should be evaluated based on performance and delivery of tangible results.
While expressing optimism about the project’s impact, the Governor warned contractors against compromising construction standards in a bid to cut costs or speed up execution.
He insisted that every stage of the highway construction must comply with approved engineering specifications, warning that poor workmanship, the use of inferior materials or any attempt to divert project funds would not be tolerated.
According to him, durable infrastructure remains more beneficial than projects delivered quickly but unable to withstand years of heavy use.
Nwifuru urged contractors to maintain strict quality control throughout the construction process to ensure that the completed road serves motorists and surrounding communities for decades.
He also assured construction firms handling the project of the Ebonyi State Government’s cooperation, particularly in resolving issues relating to land evaluation, compensation and other matters that could delay work.
The Governor said his administration would continue to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to remove obstacles capable of slowing the execution of the project.
He expressed confidence that with sustained collaboration between federal and state authorities, the road would be completed within schedule and deliver the expected economic benefits.
Earlier during the inspection, the Federal Controller of Works in Ebonyi State, Engr. Maxwell Okoha, explained that the proposed flyover forms a critical component of the larger highway project.
According to him, the flyover is designed to reduce traffic congestion, improve road safety and ensure smoother movement of vehicles within the corridor.
Okoha assured the Governor that all aspects of the project would be executed in line with approved engineering designs and established construction standards.
He said the Federal Ministry of Works remains committed to delivering infrastructure capable of supporting economic development while providing safer transportation for commuters and commercial operators.
The Managing Director of Infouest Construction Company Limited, Mustapha Mohammad, also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to completing the project within the agreed timeline.
He said the contractor would deploy adequate manpower, equipment and technical expertise to ensure that work progresses efficiently without sacrificing quality.
Mohammad assured both the Federal Government and the Ebonyi State Government that the company understands the importance of the highway and would deliver a project that meets professional engineering standards.
The Trans-Saharan Highway is expected to improve movement between Ebonyi and Benue States while strengthening transport links across parts of the South-East and North-Central regions.
Stakeholders believe the project will reduce travel time, ease the transportation of agricultural produce and manufactured goods, encourage investment and improve access to markets for businesses operating along the route.
Road users and residents also expect the highway to boost commercial activities in several communities located along the corridor by enhancing connectivity and making transportation more efficient.
The inspection comes as the Federal Government continues to prioritise infrastructure development as a key component of its economic agenda, with several road, bridge and transport projects currently under construction in different parts of the country.
For Ebonyi State, the highway is regarded as one of the most significant ongoing infrastructure projects because of its expected impact on regional trade, mobility and economic integration.
Nwifuru expressed optimism that once completed, the road would contribute to faster economic growth, create new business opportunities and improve the quality of life for thousands of residents who depend on efficient transportation for their daily activities.
He therefore urged all parties involved in the project to remain committed to delivering a durable and high-quality highway that will serve the people for many years while reinforcing the region’s economic potential.