The commercial city of Aba came alive in a carnival-like celebration as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commissioned the 6.7km Port Harcourt Road, reconstructed by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. The event, marked by music, dancing, and cultural displays, symbolized what residents described as the “return of good life” to the city.
Aba Celebrates Major Road Project as Residents Rejoice
Excitement filled the air as residents of Aba and nearby communities gathered to celebrate the newly reconstructed Port Harcourt Road.
“This is the celebration of good life after bitter life,” said Obi Ikechukwu, a resident at Asa/Port Harcourt Road junction.
Another resident, a rent collector, expressed joy, saying, “Before now, we didn’t make use of this road. We didn’t even open our shops because of flooding. But today, that sad story has changed.”
A bus operator, Ikem Nonso, recalled how the road had been inaccessible since 2007. “We used to go through Owerrinta Road to get to Port Harcourt. It was stressful for us drivers, but we thank God that it will no longer be like that again,” he said.
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Tinubu Hails Otti, Julius Berger for Delivering Quality Infrastructure
Represented by Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, President Tinubu described the project as a “miracle delivered by Julius Berger and the Abia State Government.”
He commended Governor Alex Otti for his commitment to infrastructural renewal, saying the project demonstrated effective collaboration between federal and state authorities.
“The president directed me that any governor who wants to do any federal road, I must approve within 24 hours,” Umahi said. “Governor Otti, I am handing over the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road to you. You must do it.”
Governor Otti, in his remarks, thanked President Tinubu and Julius Berger for the timely delivery of the project. “This road is a miracle just delivered by Julius Berger. We agreed to finish it by the end of 2025, but it was completed in May 2025,” Otti said.
Julius Berger Describes Road as a ‘Lifeline for Commerce’
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Abdulaziz Kaita, Director of Administration at Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, said the road represents more than just infrastructure.
“Port Harcourt Road is a lifeline for commerce and connection,” Kaita stated. “It links markets to manufacturers, neighborhoods to opportunities, and Aba to the broader economy of the South-East and Niger Delta.”
He added that the company focused on durability and sustainability. “We built a resilient pavement structure with stormwater management and complete street safety. Engineering meets empathy at Julius Berger,” he said.
Project to Boost Economic Growth and Connectivity
The reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road is part of the Federal Government’s infrastructure drive aimed at boosting economic growth and improving connectivity. The road is expected to reduce travel time, lower transport costs, and enhance trade across the region.
Security agencies, including the Army, Police, NSCDC, and FRSC, provided tight security during the commissioning. Dignitaries such as Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emeto, SSG Kenneth Kanu, and members of the National Assembly attended the event.
A New Chapter for Aba’s Infrastructure
The successful completion of the 6.7km Port Harcourt Road marks a new chapter in Abia State’s infrastructural renewal. Residents say the project will restore Aba’s status as a commercial hub in the South-East. As Julius Berger’s team noted, it is a shift “from disruption to reliable mobility and from reactive palliatives to planned resilience.”
