The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate action on the abandoned Oba-Nnewi-Uga-Akokwa-Arondizuogu-Okigwe road project. In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, the group expressed concern that despite reported presidential approval, communities along the route have yet to see significant construction activity.
The Oba-Nnewi-Uga-Akokwa-Arondizuogu-Okigwe road project, which spans 150 kilometers, was approved by President Tinubu as part of infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity and economic activity in the South-East. The announcement had raised expectations among residents, businesses, and road users who have endured the poor state of the road for years. However, the group said that residents are becoming increasingly frustrated by the continued poor condition of the road.
HURIWA's concern was heightened by public comments from Ikenga Ugochinyere Ikeagwuanu, the member representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Ugochinyere had commended Tinubu over the reported approval of the project, but the group said that residents need visible action rather than further assurances. The group recalled that Ugochinyere had drawn the attention of the House of Representatives to the deplorable condition of the Akokwa-Arondizuogu-Okigwe section, describing it as a death trap.
The deplorable condition of the road has resulted in reported attacks on motorists, and HURIWA warned that continued neglect could worsen hardship, increase transportation costs, and expose motorists and other road users to security risks. The group described the route as an important economic and transport corridor linking communities in parts of Anambra and Imo states.
HURIWA urged the Federal Ministry of Works to provide an update on the project, including its procurement status, contractor selection, funding arrangements, and expected date of mobilisation. The group said that residents want to see construction equipment, workers, and engineers on site, and they want to see the road being rebuilt and their communities connected safely.
The group also called on Ugochinyere and other lawmakers representing affected communities to intensify legislative oversight and regularly update their constituents on the project. HURIWA said that residents deserve transparency, accountability, and a functional road network after years of neglect.
HURIWA urged President Tinubu to direct the Ministry of Works to move the project from approval and procurement to construction without further delay. The group emphasized that the people along this road network are asking for action, not another announcement.
Key points
- HURIWA urges President Tinubu to intervene in the stalled Oba-Nnewi-Uga-Akokwa-Arondizuogu-Okigwe road project.
- The project was approved by President Tinubu as part of infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity and economic activity in the South-East.
- HURIWA warned that continued neglect of the road could worsen hardship, increase transportation costs, and expose motorists and other road users to security risks.
