East-West Road Phase Three to Be Completed by December 2025 – Minister Umahi

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to completing Phase Three of the East-West Road by December 2025. The project, a critical economic artery in the Niger Delta, involves the reconstruction of a 15-kilometer stretch of four-lane dual carriageway made of reinforced concrete, linking Eleme to Onne in Rivers State.

Speaking during an inspection tour of the ongoing works on Wednesday, Minister Umahi assured that the reconstruction is progressing on schedule and emphasized its importance to the nation’s economic and industrial landscape. He noted that the corridor services major oil and gas facilities, including the Onne Port Complex and Eleme Petrochemicals, making its timely delivery a top priority.

“I can confidently tell Nigerians that this project will be completed by December 2025. The pace and quality of work being done by the contractors are impressive, and we are closely monitoring every stage,” Umahi stated.

In a move to ease current traffic pressure and improve access for commuters and transporters, the Minister also announced that the Eleme axis of the road—one of the most congested and deteriorated sections—will be reopened to the public within the next ten days.

“People have suffered on this stretch for too long. We are fast-tracking work on the Eleme section, and in just about 10 days, it will be accessible to the public. This is part of our short-term relief strategy while the full project is ongoing,” he added.

The East-West Road project, initially conceptualized to boost socio-economic integration across the Niger Delta, has faced prolonged delays due to funding and administrative challenges. However, the current administration has reiterated its determination to see the road completed under the Renewed Hope infrastructure initiative.

Local stakeholders, including representatives from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and community leaders, expressed optimism about the Minister’s assurances and urged the Federal Government to maintain momentum to meet the stated deadline.