A former federal lawmaker, Chief Sam Onuigbo, has called on Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to release more funds for the completion of Umuahia-Ikwuano-Ikot Ekpene which links Abia and Akwa Ibom.
Onuigbo, who represents South-East in the Governing Board of North East Development Commission, made the call on Monday in Umuahia, while briefing newsmen after inspecting the ongoing road project in Abia.
He recalled that the Federal Government awarded the contract for the reconstruction of the road to Hartland Nigeria Limited and Raycon & Company Nigeria Limited, but it stalled due to inadequate funding.
Onuigbo said the project was later approved for funding by NNPCL through the Road Tax Credit Scheme, following his concerted efforts.
“Though the target of the total reconstruction of the 51 kilometres road is yet to be fully achieved, the current rehabilitation work along the road is traceable to the funds released by the NNPCL.
“Luckily, through concerted efforts made via visits to the appropriate quarters, precisely on February 3, 2025, the Federal Executive Council again approved an augmentation of over N14.37 billion on that road,” he said.
He urged stakeholders, especially serving political office holders from Abia to facilitate the release of the required funds for the project.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Onuigbo facilitated the project approval in 2016, while representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia.
He cautioned against the proposal to return the project to the normal ministry funding, saying that it would not only be counter productive, but would also lead to unpleasant consequences.
According to him, it can lead to more suffering by motorists and commuters.
He commended NNPCL for the good job being done, saying that it could be hastened by adding more pressure through strategic visits and lobbying by all stakeholders.
Onuigbo also thanked President Bola Tinubu, for approving the commencement of the construction of a Federal Secretariat in Abia and his push for the completion of the Achingali-Udo-na-Obizi-Umunwanwa-Ubakala federal road.
Prof. Azubuike Onyebuchi, Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia; Eze Donatus Aguiyi, the traditional ruler of Ndume and other stakeholders urged Onuigbo to sustain efforts for the realisation of the project.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
