Umahi to Tanker Drivers: ‘Get Off Our Billion-Naira Roads’

​PORT HARCOURT – The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has issued a stern warning to tanker and heavy-duty truck drivers, ordering an immediate end to the habit of using completed sections of the East-West Road as makeshift parking lots.

​During a high-stakes inspection of the Akpajo-Onne section in Rivers State on Saturday, March 21, 2026, a visibly displeased Umahi revealed that static heavy loads are already causing visible cracks on the multi-billion naira infrastructure.

​“No road worldwide is engineered to bear prolonged static loads from such heavy vehicles,” the Minister warned. “They will destroy the road, and if they do, it becomes difficult for the government to immediately return for reconstruction.”

​Infrastructure Under Threat

​The 15-kilometre dualised stretch, a flagship project of the President Bola Tinubu administration, has been redesigned with reinforced concrete technology to withstand the Niger Delta’s high water table. However, the Minister noted that the reckless parking of fuel tankers completely blocked sections of the road just 24 hours prior to his visit.

​While the government has confirmed plans to construct dedicated parking lots and relief parks for heavy-duty vehicles, Umahi emphasized that “discipline is number one.” He urged drivers to vacate the corridors immediately to prevent further structural compromise.

​Revised Timeline and Progress

​Accompanying the Minister, the Federal Controller of Works in Rivers State, Engr. Tarilade Enwerema, provided an update on the project’s milestones:

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• ​Eket-bound Carriageway: Fully completed.
• ​Port Harcourt-bound Section: Work is at an advanced stage.
• ​Onne Flyover: Scheduled for completion by May 2026.

​Although a previous May 2026 deadline for the entire project was discussed, Minister Umahi clarified that the timeline has been adjusted to August 2026. This extension accounts for “added value” features, including:

1. ​Solar-powered streetlights for enhanced night-time security.
2. ​CCTV surveillance and speed monitoring systems.
3. ​Aesthetic landscaping and tree planting along the corridor.

​National Connectivity

​The Minister also inspected the 43-kilometre Port Harcourt-Aba Road, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to finishing legacy projects that were abandoned for decades. He lauded Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) for the technical quality of the work, noting that the use of concrete pavement is expected to give the road a lifespan of 50 to 100 years.