Nigeria Opens Key Highway Section Ahead of Easter to Boost Transport and Safety

Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has announced that a critical 15-kilometre section of the Enugu–Onitsha Highway will be opened to traffic in time for the Easter holiday period, offering motorists what he described as a “special Easter travel relief package.”

Speaking during an inspection of the road in Enugu State, Umahi said the nearly completed stretch will be made available for use before the end of March, even if final touches such as road markings and median kerbs are still being finished.

He emphasized that the move is intended to ease long-standing transportation challenges along one of southeastern Nigeria’s most important road corridors.

“This directive forms part of our commitment to provide immediate relief to road users,” the minister said, noting the strategic importance of the Enugu–Onitsha route for commerce and travel within the region.

Umahi acknowledged that highways across the region have historically suffered from heavy congestion, frequent accidents, and deteriorating pavement conditions, but expressed confidence that ongoing reconstruction efforts will significantly improve travel safety and efficiency.

He also highlighted the federal government’s broader infrastructure agenda as a key factor in the progress being made.

Resident engineers involved in the project confirmed that the 15-kilometre section is nearly complete and structurally sound, positioning it for phased use as part of the Easter travel period improvements.