Anambra governor says approval of two strategic federal roads marks a historic step towards regional reconstruction and improved connectivity

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has praised President Bola Tinubu for approving the design and procurement of two major federal highways, describing the decision as a significant milestone in the ongoing reconstruction of Nigeria’s South-East.

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Speaking in a post published on his X account on Thursday, Soludo said the approvals reflected the President’s commitment to addressing long-standing infrastructure deficits across the region, adding that the projects would strengthen economic integration between the South-East, South-South and North-Central geopolitical zones.

The newly approved projects include the Otuocha-Anam-Abaji Road, which will link Anambra State with Kogi State, and the Oba-Nnewi-Uga-Ihube Road, connecting Anambra and Imo states to the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.

The approvals come amid continued calls by political leaders, business groups and residents for increased federal investment in transport infrastructure across the South-East, where poor road networks have long been identified as a major obstacle to trade, investment and regional mobility.

Expressing his delight, Soludo described the development as a defining moment for the region.

“I can’t contain my joy and that of my people regarding the great news from DIKESIMBA Anambra; DIKESIMBA NDIGBO, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the governor wrote.

Soludo added that the President was leaving what he described as a lasting legacy through strategic infrastructure investment.

“Certainly, President Tinubu has a date with history, and even more so with the South-East.

He continues to demonstrate his avowed commitment to orchestrating the reconstruction of the South-East, thereby finally healing the wounds of the Civil War.”

The governor revealed that discussions leading to the approvals began during a meeting with President Tinubu on July 1.

According to Soludo, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, contacted him the following day to request detailed information on the road projects that had repeatedly featured in their conversations.

Soludo said he forwarded the proposals on July 3 before receiving confirmation from Umahi on Tuesday that the President had approved both projects for design and procurement.

“Today, July 15, I received a message from the Minister of Works that the President has graciously approved both roads for design and procurement. What can I say?” he said.

Beyond the political significance, the governor emphasised the practical impact the roads could have on commerce, logistics and interstate connectivity.

Describing the approvals as transformative, Soludo argued that improved transport links would stimulate economic activity while opening new opportunities for communities across multiple regions.

“These two roads constitute critical game-changers for the South-East, South-South and North-Central. The man who tamed the Atlantic Ocean in Lagos is certainly redefining politics, and the South-East won’t be the same again,” he stated.

The governor also used the occasion to advocate collaborative governance, saying meaningful partnerships between federal and state governments remained essential to delivering tangible benefits for citizens.

“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,” Soludo added.

He concluded his message by thanking the President, writing: “Thank you, Asiwaju! History will be kind to you.”

The latest approvals add to ongoing federal infrastructure projects in the South-East under the Tinubu administration.

The Federal Government has repeatedly maintained that expanding strategic road networks forms part of its broader agenda to improve national connectivity, facilitate trade and support economic growth.

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While supporters of the administration have welcomed the approvals as evidence of renewed federal attention to the region, analysts note that the success of the projects will ultimately depend on timely funding, procurement and execution to ensure the promised benefits are realised.