Tinubu to visit s-south, s-east May – Presidency reveals

The Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu would visit the South-South and South-Eastern parts of the country on the 12th of May, 2026.

Umahi spoke after inspecting the Aba-Port Harcourt Motorway Abia State section and Eleme Axis of the East-West road in Rivers and said the visit would be to inaugurate the projects that would be completed in April.

The minister said the federal government has intensified work on key highway projects across the South-South, with several strategic corridors slated for commissioning by President Tinubu during his planned visit to the regions in May.

The project includes the 43-kilometre dualisation of the Aba–Port Harcourt highway, a critical economic artery linking Abia and Rivers states, which officials say will be substantially ready by April.

Umahi said the project, handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), is at 90 per cent completion, adding that the project reportedly was stalled for years due to funding constraints before the current administration intervened.

He said the contractor has now completed over 90 per cent of the Aba-bound carriageway after being directed to concentrate resources on one side to fast-track delivery, assuring that outstanding payment, running into billions, would be addressed within weeks.

He disclosed that both CCECC and the newly engaged indigenous contractor on the opposite carriageway would receive funds to sustain momentum.

He said, “They are still committed to any section of the road when they finish for twelve months. If it fails, it’s their business; it’s their problem; they have to repay it.

“But so far, I am happy with their work, and I want them to finish by April so that we can turn it in for Mr President to commission by 12th of May when he visits Southeast and South South.”

He emphasised that the President had encouraged greater participation of indigenous contractors, particularly in emergency interventions, to boost local capacity and foster healthy competition in the sector.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Works announced that completed sections would not only feature reinforced concrete but also solar-powered streetlights, CCTV surveillance, speed monitoring systems and security patrol vans.

He said, “Solar installations are expected to commence within days, with broader integration of intelligent traffic systems before September.

“The initiative aligns with the administration’s directive to transform major highways into secure and technologically monitored corridors.”