Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has called on the Federal Government to ensure the completion of major infrastructure projects across the Southeast before 2031, saying Ndi Igbo want development and delivery rather than political promises.

The apex Igbo sociocultural organisation made the demand in a statement dated September 7, 2026, while commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, for what it described as renewed federal attention to the region’s road infrastructure.

Ohanaeze said the ongoing road investments represent one of the most significant federal infrastructure interventions in the Southeast in several decades.

The organisation, however, stressed that completion of the projects must remain the priority, warning against a return to the cycle of abandoned infrastructure that has affected transportation, commerce, security and economic growth across the region.

Ohanaeze Hails Southeast Road Projects

According to the statement, the Southeast has experienced decades of infrastructure challenges, with several major highways suffering from deterioration, delays and abandonment.

Ohanaeze compared the current federal intervention with the infrastructure drive witnessed during the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) era in 1996 under the administration of former military Head of State Sani Abacha.

The organisation said the present investment programme has the potential to change the region’s economic fortunes by improving connectivity between communities and opening access to markets across Nigeria.

It particularly praised the Federal Government’s approval of the 150-kilometre Oba–Nnewi–Uga–Ihube (Okigwe Junction) Federal Road Project, describing it as a landmark intervention.

Ohanaeze said the corridor had suffered severe deterioration for more than two decades, with sections of the Uga–Ihube axis becoming difficult to access.

The organisation argued that the reconstruction and dualisation of the route would improve mobility while strengthening economic activity between communities in Anambra and Imo states.

Major Southeast Infrastructure Projects Highlighted

Ohanaeze listed several federal road projects it believes could transform transportation and commerce across the region.

Enugu–Onitsha Expressway

The organisation highlighted the ongoing reconstruction of the 77-kilometre Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, describing it as one of the most important commercial routes in the Southeast.

The highway connects major commercial centres and serves as an important transportation corridor for businesses, commuters and freight movement.

Ohanaeze said construction progress and the reopening of sections of the road represented an important step towards restoring the corridor.

Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway

The organisation also pointed to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, particularly sections around Umuahia and Aba.

It described the project as strategically important to trade and regional integration because of the highway’s role in connecting the Southeast with the Niger Delta.

Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Abuja Superhighway

Ohanaeze further identified the Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Abuja Superhighway as an important national development corridor.

According to the organisation, the road could improve connections between the Southeast and North Central while creating new economic opportunities for communities along the route.

Otuocha–Anam–Abaji Expressway

The group also welcomed approval for the design, procurement and dualisation of the 108-kilometre Otuocha–Anam–Abaji Expressway.

Ohanaeze said the project could expand transportation links between Anambra and Kogi states and create new economic corridors.

Afikpo–Uturu–Okigwe Expressway

The organisation described renewed attention to the 65-kilometre Afikpo–Uturu–Okigwe corridor as another significant development.

The road links communities across Ebonyi, Abia and Imo states and, according to Ohanaeze, has suffered decades of neglect.

Makurdi–9th Mile–Enugu Highway

Ohanaeze also highlighted the proposed 250-kilometre Makurdi–9th Mile–Enugu Highway dualisation project, saying it would strengthen connections between North Central Nigeria and the Southeast.

The organisation argued that improved road connectivity would facilitate trade while promoting greater national integration.

‘Complete Projects Before 2031’

While praising the infrastructure push, Ohanaeze said its support is tied to the successful completion and delivery of the projects.

The organisation said Ndi Igbo are interested in continuity and tangible development rather than announcements that eventually result in abandoned projects.

“Ndigbo are interested in continuity, completion, and delivery of these projects before 2031,” the organisation said.

Ohanaeze urged the Federal Government to ensure that the projects are executed according to appropriate standards and within realistic timelines.

It also called for greater accountability throughout the construction process.

Ohanaeze: Roads Are More Than Transportation Infrastructure

The organisation argued that roads should not be viewed simply as infrastructure for moving people from one location to another.

According to Ohanaeze, functional road networks can stimulate trade, attract investment, improve security and strengthen economic integration.

It therefore urged the Federal Government to sustain its infrastructure drive and ensure that the current projects become lasting development assets for the Southeast.

‘History Will Remember Delivery’

Ohanaeze said future generations would judge governments based on the projects completed and the improvements made to citizens’ lives rather than political speeches.

The organisation described the current infrastructure drive as a potentially significant milestone for the Southeast and called for sustained commitment to the projects.

It also said the region needs functioning roads, economic opportunities, improved security and sustainable development.

The statement was signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, and Prof. Chibuikeya Achoakawa, Acting Secretary General.

Ohanaeze’s message comes as political attention increasingly shifts towards the 2027 general elections, with the organisation making clear that infrastructure delivery should remain a major consideration in assessing political leadership.

For the Southeast, the group said, the priority is simple: complete the roads, deliver the infrastructure and ensure that the region receives the full economic benefits of the projects.

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