By Francis Ajuonuma
The Global Executive Committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct urgent intervention on the Owerri–Aba Expressway, saying the condition of the strategic road requires the same level of attention recently demonstrated on the First Niger Bridge.
The appeal was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro.
Ohanaeze commended President Tinubu and the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, for the ongoing rehabilitation of the First Niger Bridge, describing the intervention as evidence that critical infrastructure could receive emergency attention when given the necessary priority.
The organisation, however, said the Federal Government should extend the same urgency to the Owerri–Aba Expressway, which it described as an important economic corridor in the South-East.
“The First Niger Bridge has shown what urgency can achieve. Owerri–Aba should now receive the same urgency,” Isiguzoro said.
The First Niger Bridge was closed on September 7 for emergency rehabilitation following the discovery of vandalised structural components, including bolts, nuts and portions of the expansion-joint steelwork.
Ohanaeze said the government’s response demonstrated the importance of timely intervention in protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety of road users.
According to the organisation, the Owerri–Aba Expressway serves commuters, traders, manufacturers, transport operators, farmers and other businesses, making its condition a matter of wider economic concern.
“The Owerri–Aba Expressway is not merely a road; it is an economic corridor connecting people, markets and businesses,” he said.
Ohanaeze urged Umahi to personally inspect the road and undertake a technical assessment of the sections requiring urgent repairs, comprehensive rehabilitation, drainage works and other safety measures.
The organisation said such an assessment would enable the Federal Ministry of Works to develop an appropriate intervention plan and prevent further deterioration of the highway.
Isiguzoro stressed that the appeal was not for preferential treatment for the South-East but for adequate attention to a strategic federal highway.
“This is not a demand for favour. Ndigbo are asking for safe roads, durable infrastructure and fair attention to a strategic Federal highway,” he said.
Ohanaeze also called for a shift from emergency repairs to preventive maintenance of major infrastructure across the country.
“Infrastructure should not be repaired only when it becomes an emergency; it should be maintained before emergencies occur,” Isiguzoro said.
The group reaffirmed its appreciation to Tinubu and Umahi for the intervention on the First Niger Bridge, urging the Federal Government to make the Owerri–Aba Expressway its next major infrastructure priority in the region.
