In a welcome shift for Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape, the Federal Government has given a vote of confidence to MTN’s rehabilitation of the long-troubled Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, reflecting a growing reliance on public-private collaboration to address chronic road deficits across the country’s transport network.
Speaking in Enugu at a media briefing, Senator David Umahi, the minister of Works, emphasised that the participation of MTN Nigeria under the Federal Government’s Tax Credit Scheme has helped unlock progress on a corridor that has historically been a major bottleneck for commerce and mobility in the South-East geopolitical zone.
Public-Private Collaboration Yielding Visible Progress
MTN’s involvement, executed through subcontractors Nigercat and RCC, positions the project as a case study in alternative financing for critical infrastructure.
Initially valued at ₦202 billion, with about ₦50 billion worth of work completed pre-2023, the initiative was de-scoped to align with available funding after economic pressures such as subsidy removal and increased costs.
While the scope was adjusted, the government’s endorsement of the work done so far spotlights how corporate investment paired with regulatory frameworks can fast-track priority projects in hard-pressed fiscal environments. This model is increasingly seen as a complement to traditional budgetary allocations.
From Lifeline Corridor to Strategic Artery
The 107-kilometre Enugu-Onitsha dual carriageway is a vital link that facilitates the movement of goods and people between major commercial hubs in the South-East and the broader national economy.
For years, the route was widely regarded as a “nightmare” for commuters, plagued with potholes, accidents and extended travel times, challenges that have hindered economic activity and raised safety concerns.
Umahi’s remarks reflect not just satisfaction with construction quality but also a broader policy shift: federal authorities are now more openly embracing corporate finance mechanisms to accelerate the delivery of major public goods.
With phase one scheduled for completion by April 28, and solar lighting installation underway, the project signals tangible benefits for road users and local economies.
Implications for Regional Development and Connectivity
Beyond immediate travel improvements, the advancement of the Enugu-Onitsha corridor speaks to larger themes in Nigeria’s infrastructure agenda:
Economic Integration: Improved road connectivity is expected to bolster commerce, reduce transport costs and support regional value chains between Enugu, Anambra and neighbouring states.
Safety and Access: With the installation of solar-powered streetlights and CCTV cameras, the corridor is poised to become safer for travellers, addressing long-standing security concerns.
Investment Signal: Successful delivery could encourage more private sector participation in national development projects, particularly where fiscal constraints limit government expenditure.
A Broader Federal Push for Road Renewal
The minister also outlined additional federal interventions across the South-East, including work on the Asaba Heartland Road and bypass projects by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCCC), further highlighting efforts to modernise and rehabilitate key highway infrastructure in the region.
As Nigeria seeks to tackle its infrastructure deficit, the progress at Enugu-Onitsha offers a snapshot of how collaborative models can help bridge financial and technical gaps, potentially reshaping the way major public works are delivered in the years ahead.
