In a major infrastructure push, Governor Peter Mbah has commenced the construction of 70km of strategic roads in Enugu North, aiming to link farming communities and boost private sector growth.
NSUKKA – Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has officially flagged off the construction of over 70 kilometres of roads across the Enugu North Senatorial Zone. The ambitious project is designed to serve as a primary enabler for the state’s target of exponential economic growth by drastically improving connectivity between rural hubs and urban markets.
The road network spans several Local Government Areas, including Nsukka, Igbo-Eze South, Igbo-Eze North, Udenu, Uzo-Uwani, and Igbo-Etiti. A centerpiece of the initiative is the 52-kilometre Lejja–Aku–Ukehe–Egede–Afa–Akpakwume–Eke road, a strategic corridor that traverses Nsukka, Igbo-Etiti, and Udi LGAs.
During the ceremony in Nsukka on Saturday, Governor Mbah emphasized that his administration views road construction not as a political favor, but as a mechanical necessity for business. He reiterated that while the private sector will drive the state’s economy, the government must provide the physical infrastructure to make that growth possible.
“We are not a government given to posturing or empty promises,” Mbah stated. “When we talk about growing our economy exponentially, we emphasize that it will be enabled by government. There is no better enabler than roads. We are building roads that connect communities and link people to opportunities.”
The total project scope includes: The 52km Lejja-Eke Corridor: Connecting multiple historic communities.
Nsukka Township Links Roads stretching from Umuachara to the Military Barracks.
Industrial Routes: Access roads from the Mechanic Village and Enyiuchi.
The Chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area, Mr. Jude Asogwa, revealed that the current administration has invested over N20 billion in infrastructure within the council area over the last 48 months. He described this level of funding as “unprecedented,” noting that ongoing works also include critical routes linking Enugu to neighboring Anambra and Kogi States.
According to Asogwa, these projects will stimulate the local economy by easing the movement of agricultural produce and strengthening inter-community relationships that have been hindered by poor topography.
The initiative received a warm reception from traditional leaders. HRM Tony Ezema, Chairman of the Nsukka Local Government Traditional Rulers Council, described the flag-off as “historic.” He pointed out that many of these routes become entirely impassable during the rainy season, leading to accidents and the total isolation of farming settlements.
“This road has been one of the worst in Nsukka,” Ezema remarked. “The reconstruction will greatly improve access to key institutions, including a Federal Government College and several farming settlements.”
With the rainy season approaching, the commencement of these works is seen as a timely intervention to prevent the perennial economic stagnation that typically affects the zone’s agricultural output.
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