The Federal Government has formally transferred the completion of several major federal road projects in Abia State to the state government, marking what officials called a new model of collaboration to accelerate road infrastructure delivery under the Renewed Hope agenda.

The handover, approved by President Bola Tinubu, was announced by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, during a civic reception held in honour of Governor Alex Otti at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba.

The projects include the Owerri–Umuaka Road, Onuigbo–Umuahia Road, Omezuo Bridge, and Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road — all vital routes within the South-East’s economic corridor.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Works, Mohammed Ahmed, the minister said the move followed the President’s approval for Abia State to undertake the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the roads “based on a request and mutual understanding.”

Addressing a gathering of political leaders, traditional rulers, and stakeholders, Umahi praised Governor Otti’s “proactive and non-partisan approach” to governance, describing it as a model of leadership guided by the people’s needs rather than political affiliations.

“I am happy that many of our governors are taking the bull by the horns,” Umahi said, noting that the affected roads had endured years of neglect and funding challenges before the current intervention.

The minister called on residents of Abia and the entire South-East to support the Tinubu administration, noting that the region had continued to benefit from various federal projects and strategic appointments, including that of the Chief of Air Staff.

He described President Tinubu’s leadership as “fair and inclusive,” citing the ongoing reconstruction of major federal highways across the region as proof of balanced national development.

In his remarks, Governor Otti thanked the President for approving the state’s intervention, calling it “a practical step that delivers real value to the people of Abia and Nigeria as a whole.”

“This is not the first time Abia is intervening in federal projects. What matters is that the roads get fixed and our people benefit,” he added.

The partnership has received widespread praise from stakeholders, who described it as a pragmatic initiative that will improve mobility, stimulate commerce, and strengthen regional integration between Abia and neighbouring states.

Earlier in the day, upon arriving in Aba, the minister, accompanied by the governor, members of the National Assembly, and other stakeholders, paid an unscheduled inspection visit to the ongoing reconstruction and rehabilitation of the 56.1-kilometre Section II (Umuahia Tower–Aba) of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Dual Carriageway, being executed by Messrs Arab Contractors (Nig.) Limited.

He criticised the company for failing to uphold its reputation for quality and timely project delivery, giving it one month to complete the outstanding 4.1 kilometres (Aba-bound) of the project.

As part of the ministry’s commitment to accountability, and following the expiration of a 14-day contract termination notice, the team also inspected ongoing works on Section IV (Aba–Port Harcourt) of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, being handled by Messrs CCECC.