Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has praised President Bola Tinubu after the Federal Government approved the design and procurement of two major highway projects expected to transform road travel across the South-East.
The approval is the beginning of optimism in the region, with many viewing the projects as a major step toward improving connectivity and boosting economic growth.
If completed, the roads will strengthen links between the South-East, South-South and North-Central regions while opening new opportunities for businesses and commuters.
The South-East highway projects are expected to connect Anambra with Kogi, Imo and Abia states, making movement easier for residents, traders and investors. Furthermore, the projects are expected to reduce travel time and improve access to key commercial corridors.
Governor Soludo shared the development in a post on his X account, revealing that he met President Tinubu on July 1 to discuss important infrastructure needs affecting the South-East.
According to him, the discussions focused on improving federal roads that have long been considered vital for regional development. Moreover, he explained that the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, requested detailed proposals shortly after the meeting.
The governor said the requested information was submitted on July 3 before receiving presidential approval days later.
“Certainly, President Tinubu has a date with history, and even more so with the Southeast,” Soludo wrote.
“He continues to demonstrate his avowed commitment to orchestrating the reconstruction of the Southeast, thereby finally healing the wounds of the Civil War.
“There are several unprecedented, foundational infrastructural rebirths going on in the Southeast at the moment.”
According to Soludo, the approved projects include the dualisation of the 108-kilometre Otuocha–Anam–Abaji Road, linking Anambra and Kogi states. In addition, the second project covers the 150-kilometre Oba–Nnewi–Uga–Ihube (Okigwe Junction) Road, which connects Anambra, Imo and Abia states before linking to the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway.
He disclosed that confirmation of the approval came directly from the Minister of Works.
“Today, 15th July, I received a message from the minister of works that the President has graciously approved both roads for ‘design and procurement’,” he said.
Meanwhile, Soludo described the road projects as more than ordinary construction works. Instead, he said they represent strategic investments that will reshape transportation and economic activities across several regions.
“These two roads constitute critical game-changers for the Southeast, South-South and North Central,” he added.
The governor also commended President Tinubu’s approach to infrastructure development, saying the administration has continued to invest in projects that unite different parts of the country.
“The man who tamed the Atlantic Ocean in Lagos is certainly redefining politics, and the Southeast won’t be the same again.
“For me personally, this is why politics makes sense to me: working collaboratively and building alliances to achieve concrete results that improve the lives of the people.”
Furthermore, Soludo expressed confidence that the new highways will encourage trade, improve transportation and support economic activities across the affected states. Better road networks are also expected to reduce travel delays and improve access to important markets.
The South-East highway projects are also seen as part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to improve national infrastructure and strengthen regional integration.
Although work has yet to begin, the approval for design and procurement marks an important milestone.
